In a significant move to enhance public safety and accessibility, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced on Thursday that it will resume translating its weather products and forecasts for non-English speakers. The decision comes after a brief suspension of the service earlier this month, which had raised alarms among experts and advocacy groups about the potential risks to millions of non-English speakers in the United States. The reinstated translation services, expected to be fully operational by the end of the day on Monday, aim to ensure that critical weather information, including life-saving warnings about extreme weather events, reaches diverse communities across the nation.
The NWS had paused its translation services due to the expiration of its contract with Lilt, an artificial intelligence company that has been providing automated translations since late 2023. The lapse in the contract sparked widespread concern, particularly as the U.S. continues to experience increasingly frequent and severe weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding. A striking example of such events was a tornado spotted just north of Omaha, Nebraska, on April 17, 2025, which underscored the urgency of timely and accessible weather warnings. Experts warned that without translated forecasts and alerts, non-English-speaking communities could be left vulnerable, potentially missing critical information that could mean the difference between life and death.
The reinstatement of the translation contract with Lilt marks a reversal of the earlier suspension and reflects the NWS’s commitment to serving the diverse linguistic needs of the U.S. population. According to the 2019 Census, nearly 68 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home, with approximately 42 million of them being Spanish speakers. Other significant language groups include Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Samoan speakers, all of whom will benefit from the resumed translation services. These translations cover not only emergency weather alerts but also routine weather forecasts, which are vital for industries such as tourism, transportation, and energy, where weather conditions play a critical role in daily operations.
The importance of accessible weather information cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of extreme weather events that have become more common in recent years. For instance, on April 7, 2025, a neighborhood in Frankfort, Kentucky, was inundated with floodwaters, leaving vehicles stranded and residents grappling with the aftermath. Such incidents highlight the need for clear and timely communication to all communities, regardless of language barriers. Non-English speakers, who may already face challenges navigating government services, are particularly at risk during such crises if they cannot access warnings in their native languages.
The NWS’s translation program has evolved significantly in recent years. Prior to partnering with Lilt, the agency relied on manual translations, a process it described as labor-intensive and unsustainable. The shift to AI-driven translations in 2023 allowed the NWS to scale its efforts, providing forecasts and alerts in multiple languages with greater efficiency. Lilt’s technology enabled the NWS to deliver translations in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Samoan, reaching a broader segment of the population. The reinstatement of this contract ensures that these advancements will continue, maintaining the agency’s ability to communicate effectively with non-English-speaking communities.
The suspension of the translation services, though brief, drew sharp criticism from advocates and experts who argued that the move disproportionately endangered vulnerable populations. Immigrant communities, many of whom rely on translated weather information to make informed decisions, were seen as particularly at risk. For example, farmworkers, construction workers, and others who work outdoors need accurate weather forecasts to plan their activities and stay safe. Similarly, families in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes depend on timely alerts to evacuate or take shelter. The absence of translated warnings could exacerbate existing disparities, leaving non-English speakers less prepared for dangerous weather conditions.
The NWS’s decision to restore the translation services comes at a time when its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), faces significant challenges. The Trump administration has targeted NOAA, along with other federal agencies, for aggressive staff reductions and budget cuts. These proposed reductions have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to maintain its critical functions, including weather forecasting, climate research, and public outreach. The reinstatement of the translation contract, however, suggests that the NWS is prioritizing its mission to protect lives and property, even in the face of potential resource constraints.
The broader implications of the NWS’s translation services extend beyond emergency preparedness. General weather forecasts play a vital role in the daily lives of millions of Americans, particularly those in industries sensitive to weather conditions. In the tourism sector, for instance, hotels, resorts, and tour operators rely on accurate forecasts to plan events and ensure guest safety. In transportation, airlines, shipping companies, and trucking firms use weather data to optimize routes and avoid disruptions. The energy sector, too, depends on weather information to manage power grids and anticipate demand fluctuations. For non-English speakers working in these industries, translated forecasts are essential for making informed decisions and maintaining operational efficiency.
The resumption of translation services also underscores the growing role of technology in public services. The use of AI-powered translations, as provided by Lilt, represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of a diverse population. By leveraging automation, the NWS can deliver timely and accurate information to a wide audience without the logistical challenges of manual translation. This technological advancement aligns with broader trends in government services, where digital tools are increasingly used to improve accessibility and equity.
However, the reliance on AI also raises questions about accuracy and cultural sensitivity. While AI translations have made significant strides, they are not infallible and can sometimes miss nuances or context specific to certain languages or communities. The NWS has not publicly detailed how it ensures the quality of its translated products, but the agency’s decision to continue its partnership with Lilt suggests confidence in the company’s capabilities. Moving forward, ongoing evaluation and community feedback will be crucial to ensuring that the translations meet the needs of non-English speakers effectively.
The reinstatement of the NWS’s translation services is a step toward greater inclusivity and public safety, but it also highlights the broader challenges of serving a multilingual population in a country as diverse as the United States. Language barriers can exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly during crises, and addressing these barriers requires sustained investment and commitment. The NWS’s efforts to provide translated weather information demonstrate the importance of equitable access to critical services, but they also serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done.
As the NWS moves forward with its resumed translation services, advocates are calling for long-term solutions to ensure that such disruptions do not occur again. Proposals include securing multi-year contracts with translation providers, increasing funding for language access programs, and expanding the range of languages covered by the NWS. Some have also suggested incorporating community input to better tailor translations to the needs of specific populations, such as indigenous language speakers or recent immigrants.
In the meantime, the restoration of the NWS’s translation services is a welcome development for the millions of non-English speakers who rely on accurate and timely weather information. As the U.S. grapples with the impacts of climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring that all communities have access to critical warnings and forecasts is more important than ever. The NWS’s commitment to this goal, despite challenges, reflects its dedication to protecting lives and fostering resilience across the nation.
In conclusion, the National Weather Service’s decision to resume translating its products for non-English speakers addresses a critical gap in public safety and accessibility. By reinstating its contract with Lilt and leveraging AI technology, the NWS is taking meaningful steps to reach diverse communities and ensure that no one is left behind during extreme weather events. As the agency navigates a complex landscape of budget constraints and administrative changes, its focus on inclusivity and innovation sets a positive example for other public institutions. For the 68 million Americans who speak a language other than English at home, this development is a vital lifeline, offering hope and security in an era of growing environmental challenges.
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