Davids Renews Calls for Answers After 25 Missed Weather Balloon Launches in Kansas Last Month

WASHINGTON, DC — Thirty days after Representative Sharice Davids demanded answers from the National Weather Service (NWS) following severe tornado outbreaks in Kansas, the agency has failed to respond — even as critical weather data collection disruptions continue and seven more tornadoes touched down across the state this week.

According to publicly available upper-air data records, the standard 7 a.m. weather balloon launch was missed 25 out of the last 30 days at Kansas sites responsible for collecting atmospheric data used in severe weather forecasting.

“Kansans deserve confidence that the systems meant to keep them safe are fully operational during tornado season, and meteorologists deserve the reliable data they need to do their jobs. Instead, we’re seeing ongoing data collection failures and no transparency from the National Weather Service about why this keeps happening,” said Davids. “These are not abstract bureaucratic problems — they can directly impact how much time families have to get to shelter before dangerous storms hit. After seven more tornadoes touched down in Kansas this week, the administration owes the public answers and immediate action to address these reported failures before tragedy strikes.”

Last month, Davids sent a letter to the NWS after tornadoes struck Kansas’ Third District and reports emerged that routine morning weather balloon launches — a critical forecasting tool used to assess atmospheric conditions before severe storms — may not have occurred ahead of the outbreak. Despite requesting a response within 30 days, Davids has received no answers from the agency.

Weather balloon launches provide forecasters with real-time atmospheric measurements, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind conditions that help determine tornado risk and storm intensity. Missing launches can reduce forecasting accuracy and limit the data available to meteorologists during dangerous weather events.

“For decades, 7 a.m. weather balloon launches have been a standard part of how meteorologists track severe weather and protect communities,” said Davids. “If that standard has changed, the National Weather Service owes Kansans clear answers about why — and the science and data behind that decision. You don’t get to quietly scale back something this important without transparency, especially in a state where severe weather can turn deadly fast."

In her original letter, Davids requested information on:

• Whether weather balloon launches were missed and why;
• Whether missing data contributed to delayed tornado watches;
• Staffing vacancy levels across regional NWS offices;
• The agency’s hiring and operational plans moving forward;
• And additional severe weather preparedness concerns.

Davids previously raised concerns about staffing shortages and operational capacity at the NWS last year but still has not received a response from the administration. She is now renewing calls for accountability as missed launches and operational concerns persist.