The federal government shutdown has atmospheric scientists worried that their annual meeting could be a bust.

More than 4,000 people are expected to gather in Phoenix on Jan. 6 for the

More than 800 of the presenters and speakers on the schedule, the Washington Post reports.

(MORE: Partial Government Shutdown: What It Means For National Parks, Weather, Science)

AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter told the Post the effect of the shutdown is significant.

“The interactions that occur at these meetings foster new science and new services across the enterprise that greatly benefit all of society,” Seitter said. “Having one of those sectors not represented at the meeting greatly impedes progress” on saving lives, supporting the economy and building an understanding of the environment."

The annual meeting allows academic, government and commercial scientists to trade notes on the latest research on weather and climate and , Bloomberg writes.

Employees from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes the National Weather Service, and from the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency routinely attend the conference. If they remain furloughed, they won't attend.

Dan Sobien, president of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, said researchers often come up with ideas for new lifesaving methods and warnings.

“Any delay in that research could someday cost someone their life, and that person could be you or me,” Sobien told the Post. Not having NWS meteorologists there to collaborate “will likely cost many more lives than the absence of any border wall, anywhere.”

At least 26 events at the meeting will have to be adjusted or canceled if the federal employees can't attend.

A statement from AMS President Roger Wakimoto said plans are being made for remote presentations.

"The current partial government shutdown is frustrating for all of us, but especially for our government employee colleagues who are directly affected...," Wakimoto said. "No matter how this works out, however, you can rest assured that the AMS meeting will be a terrific and significant event for the weather, water, and climate community."