Weather Research and Forecasting Reauthorization

Full Title:
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026

Summary#

This measure reauthorizes and updates a wide set of programs that support weather research, forecasting, and warnings. It directs the department that runs weather and ocean work to keep and improve research programs, satellite and radar plans, computing and artificial intelligence efforts, and observing networks. It expands programs for tornadoes (VORTEX-USA), hurricanes, atmospheric rivers, precipitation, coastal flooding and storm surge, tsunamis, drought, soil moisture, harmful algal blooms, and fire weather. It creates or updates programs for commercial data purchases and pilot tests, data standards and sharing, the Earth Prediction Innovation Center, and an Interagency Council for meteorological services. It also sets planning and reporting requirements, updates workforce and hiring planning, and directs modernization of NOAA Weather Radio and the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) into cloud operations.

What it means for you#

  • The measure seeks to improve weather forecasts, warnings, and the speed and clarity of public alerts for hazardous events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, extreme precipitation, and wildfires.
  • It funds research, new observing systems, and pilots that may give forecasters more or different data (including from commercial providers and uncrewed systems).
  • It directs work on artificial intelligence weather models and on making many operational models and related datasets available to the public when allowed. It also allows withholding of models or data for national security reasons.
  • It directs upgrades and planning for satellites, radars (including a plan to replace the NEXRAD network by 2040), and computing systems to support higher-resolution modeling.
  • It strengthens communication work: reviews of warning language, post-storm surveys, hazard communication research, NOAA Weather Radio modernization, and standards for flash-flood alert systems.
  • It supports partnership and pilot programs with private firms, universities, State and Tribal partners, and others to test new sensors, commercial data, and local observation networks.

Expenses#

The text specifies many authorizations of appropriations for named programs. Notable amounts included in the text are:

  • United States weather research and forecasting (Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research): authorized annually by line in section 110: $166,736,000 (FY2026), $168,403,000 (FY2027), $170,089,000 (FY2028), $171,789,000 (FY2029), and $173,506,000 (FY2030), with suballocations for labs, the U.S. Weather Research Program, radar research, and a technology transfer initiative.
  • VORTEX-USA tornado program: $11,000,000 per year for FY2026–2030 (not less than $2,000,000 per year for grants to priority institutions).
  • Tsunami Warning and Education Act (reauthorization and research): $30,000,000 per year for FY2026–2030 (with specified shares for State-level activities and research).
  • Artificial intelligence for weather forecasting: $311,000,000 for FY2026 and $76,000,000 for each FY2027–2030.
  • NOAA Weather Radio: $25,000,000 per year for FY2026–2031 to operate NOAA Weather Radio, plus $100,000,000 (available until expended) for FY2026 for modernization and assessment.
  • National Mesonet Program: set amounts from the National Weather Service budget cap: $50,000,000 (FY2026), $55,000,000 (FY2027), $61,000,000 (FY2028), $68,000,000 (FY2029), $70,000,000 (FY2030).
  • National Integrated Drought Information System: $15,000,000 (FY2026) rising to $17,000,000 (FY2030).
  • Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program: $19,500,000 per year to NOAA and $8,000,000 per year to EPA for FY2026–2030.
  • Fire Weather Services Program: authorizations of $15,000,000 (FY2026), $20,000,000 (FY2027), $27,000,000 (FY2028), $36,000,000 (FY2029), and $50,000,000 (FY2030).
  • Next Generation Water Observing System (USGS): $30,000,000 for FY2026 (to remain available until expended) for initial basins.
  • Aviation airborne observation program: $10,000,000 per year for FY2026–2030.
  • Other sections authorize reports, pilot programs, user fees, or direct contracting authorities but do not always specify a dollar amount.
  • Several sections require plans, reports, and briefings to Congress, and some include limits or directives about fund use (for example, one section states no additional funds are authorized beyond the listed authorizations for that title).

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.