National Weather Service alerts will no longer be translated for non-English speakers
National Weather Service alerts will no longer be translated for non-English speakers
The National Weather Service has halted its automated translation services for weather alerts until further notice.
The change, which was announced last week, is "due to a contract lapse," weather service spokesperson Michael Musher confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY without elaborating further.
Language translation software firm Lilt has provided artificial intelligence to translate weather service alerts for over a year. The NWS announced the partnership in October 2023, revealing the AI technology would translate alerts from English to several other languages including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese and Samoan.
"This language translation project will improve our service equity to traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations that have limited English proficiency," the weather service's director Ken Graham said in a news release at the time. "By providing weather forecasts and warnings in multiple languages, NWS will improve community and individual readiness and resilience as climate change drives more extreme weather events."
USA TODAY has reached out to Lilt for comment.
Trump declares English the official language of US
The pause in translation services comes after the Trump administration declared English the official language of the U.S. last month for the first time in the nation's history.
President Donald Trump passed the executive order designating one official language to "promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement," according to the White House.
The order rescinds a mandate former President Bill Clinton passed in 2000 requiring federal agencies and all recipients of federal funding to provide non-English speakers with access to language assistance. Since returning to office in January, Trump has led a hefty crack down on illegal immigration that has long brought people from many countries speaking languages other than English.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which encompasses the NWS, were also among the federal government agencies impacted by the mass terminations of probationary workers.
More than 1,020 NOAA employees were laid off, according to a NOAA email sent to staff on March 11 and obtained by USA TODAY. However, The email clarified staff who work in NWS forecast operations and maintenance support were not included in the reductions.
Around 67 million people speak non-English languages in the US
While English continues to be the most spoken language in the nation, a 2019 U.S. Census Bureau report found 67.8 million others spoke a non-English language at home, a nearly 94% increase from 1980.
Spanish was the second most spoken language at home in 2019, according to the census report, with more than 41,000 speakers.
"The primary purpose of collecting language data is to measure the proportion of the U.S. population that may need help in understanding English," according to the census report. "Government agencies and other organizations can use these language data to determine the need for translators and other language assistance services."
Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Father's Day weekend in North Georgia: Scattered storms and soggy forecast ahead
The Brief North Georgia is experiencing a wet pattern with scattered storms, especially in the afternoons, while mornings may be better for outdoor activities. The National Weather Service warns of daily thunderstorms with potential for strong storms, gusty winds, and lightning, particularly in the afternoon and evening. The wet weather pattern is expected to continue into early next week, with a possible decrease in storm activity by midweek. ATLANTA - North Georgia is heading into a soggy stretch this Father's Day weekend, with repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms forecast through early next week. But while rain chances are high, forecasters say it won't be a total washout—and early mornings may offer the best chance for outdoor plans. What they're saying "We're in a wet pattern, no doubt, but the storms will be scattered," said FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley. "The first part of each day looks better for anything outside. It's the afternoons when we'll see storms dotting the landscape." Chandley said that trend of hit-and-miss showers will continue, with some areas staying mostly dry while others get drenched. "There's a lot of moisture in the air," he said. "That means we'll see fog in the mornings, slower warm-ups, and then a ramp-up in storm chances each afternoon." Heading into the weekend, Chandley said Friday may bring fewer storms than Thursday, but more rain is likely Friday night into Saturday. By Sunday, the familiar pattern continues. "Expect clouds and fog early, then by Sunday afternoon, more scattered storms will develop—just like Saturday," Chandley said. What you can do The National Weather Service is warning of daily thunderstorms across north and central Georgia, some of which could be strong. While severe weather remains uncertain, the atmosphere is primed for repeated downpours, gusty winds, and lightning—especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Chandley's advice for the weekend: "Make your plans, just keep the umbrella handy—and check the radar before heading out." Local perspective Metro Atlanta: Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m., high near 86°F. Chance of rain: 80%. Saturday night: Continued storms through early Sunday, low around 70°F. Sunday: More afternoon storms, high near 84°F. Chance of rain: 80%. Sunday night: Showers continue before tapering off overnight, low near 71°F. Extreme North Georgia Mountains: Saturday: Showers and storms likely after 2 p.m., patchy morning fog, high near 81°F. Rain chance: 90%. Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, low near 65°F. Sunday: Widespread rain and storms, high near 78°F. Rain chance: 90%. Sunday night: Thunderstorms likely before tapering off, low near 65°F. Northwest Georgia: Saturday: Storms likely throughout the day, high near 87°F. Rain chance: 80%. Saturday night: Rain likely continues into the early morning, low around 68°F. Sunday: High rain chances with multiple rounds of thunderstorms, high near 85°F. Rain chance: 90%. Sunday night: Storms persist, low near 69°F. What's next The daily risk of thunderstorms continues into early next week, but forecasters are watching for a possible shift by midweek. "By Wednesday or Thursday, we may start to dry out just a bit," Chandley said. "It'll still be humid, but we expect a drop in storm coverage." The Source This article contains original forecasting by the FOX 5 Storm Team with additional details from the National Weather Service.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Seattle Weather: Cooler end to week, warmer and sunny Father's Day Weekend
The Brief Seattle saw cooler temperatures in the mid 60s on Thursday due to increased cloud cover and an upper-level trough. Expect more clouds and patchy drizzle tonight, with lows in the mid to upper 40s. Sunshine and warmer temperatures in the 70s are forecasted for Father's Day weekend. SEATTLE - It was a cooler afternoon with more clouds and temperatures in the mid 60s. Highs were several degrees below average as an upper-level trough moved into the Pacific Northwest. We did see a few sunbreaks in the south sound, but it was definitely different compared to how we started the week! Clouds will increase tonight with overnight lows in the mid to upper 40s and even a few pockets of patchy drizzle along the coast and in the mountains. What's next It will be another cooler day Friday, with highs in the mid 60s and mostly cloudy skies. A few sunbreaks are possible in the afternoon. After a cooler few days, sunshine and 70s make a return for Father's Day weekend. The next chance of showers return early next week. The Source Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle Meteorologist Claire Anderson and the National Weather Service. Seattle traffic to be impacted from upcoming protests Authorities shift tactics in search for WA triple murder suspect Travis Decker Manhunt for Travis Decker moves to WA's Kittitas County Anti-Trump 'NO KINGS' protests planned for Seattle this weekend Seattle police disperse 'ICE OUT' protesters after fire breaks out downtown Everything you need to know about Seattle Pride Parade 2025 Things to do for Father's Day in Seattle To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump Given Bad Weather News About His Birthday Tank Parade
President Donald Trump's upcoming $45 million parade will most likely get rained on, according to current weather forecasts. As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service has predicted that there is a 60 percent chance it will rain Saturday after 2 p.m. with a probability of thunderstorms in the evening, potentially foiling Trump's stacked parade itinerary. Its website currently reads for Saturday night: 'Showers likely before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.' The rain could significantly impact Trump's big, beautiful military parade, which is meant to celebrate the founding of the U.S. Army 250 years ago, as well as his 79th birthday. The Army said that the parade is expected to start at 6:30 p.m. and finish at around 7:30 p.m., half an hour before possible thunderstorms. Depending on the severity of the weather, certain events, such as the Army's Golden Knights parachute jump and fireworks at the end of the night, could be canceled. The Golden Knights Parachute Team is currently set to parachute into the Ellipse, where a concert will be held following the parade, and present Trump with a U.S. flag. The elite parachute team was already forced to cancel one of their jumps at a community celebration for the Army's 250th birthday at the Redstone Arsenal Army base in Alabama four days ago due to rain. Special Agent Matt McCool, who is in charge of the Secret Service's Washington field office, advised at a news conference Monday that 'due to the large crowds, noise and the weather forecast, that for their safety,' people leave their pets and emotional support animals at home, though service animals are still permitted. He also said that 'we're preparing for an enormous turnout,' the Secret Service reportedly expecting hundreds of thousands of people to be in attendance Saturday. More than 18 miles of fencing are already being put up throughout Washington D.C. in preparation for the event. Yet unfavorable weather conditions could affect public transportation and result in lower turnout than expected. The parade will also include around 9,000 troops marching along Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C., more than 100 military vehicles, and 50 aircrafts, such as Black Hawk helicopters and WWII-era B-52 bombers. 'It's gonna be an amazing day. We'll have tanks, we'll have planes, we'll have all sorts of things. I think it's gonna be great,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. The estimated cost of the president's birthday parade excludes the projected cost of repairing the damage done by military tanks after the event, which U.S. military officials have said might come out to as much as $16 million. D.C. Mayor Muriel Browser said back in April that 'military tanks on our streets would not be good,' adding that if the president chose to use military tanks, they 'should be accompanied by many millions of dollars to repair the roads.' Around 130 military tanks are expected to participate in Saturday's procession. Trump tried to throw a military parade during his first term as president after seeing the Bastille parade in France in 2017, which celebrates the fall of the Bastille prison on July 14. He even told French President Emmanuel Macron that the U.S. was 'going to have to try to top' France's celebrations. Though his plans fell through due to the parade's estimated cost of $92 million, Saturday's parade was meant to be his redemption. But with the current forecast, all Trump can do is ask, as Barbara Streisand once did: 'Don't bring around a cloud to rain on my parade.'
