Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 would authorize funding and programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve the nation's weather forecasting and research capabilities. The bill is a package of 17 bipartisan provisions designed to help Americans better prepare for dangerous weather events.

The legislation would enhance NOAA's ability to forecast and warn about extreme weather hazards including atmospheric rivers, coastal flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and heat waves. It would establish new programs for fire weather services and wildfire readiness, improve landslide preparedness through regional partnerships, and modernize weather alert systems and radio infrastructure. The bill also directs NOAA to use emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve forecast accuracy, and authorizes $40 million annually through 2030 for longer-term weather forecasting improvements.

Additionally, the bill would expand commercial opportunities for private companies to provide weather data to NOAA and requires federal agencies to coordinate on weather observation and research efforts. It calls for staffing plans to ensure adequate personnel for these expanded services and mandates regular congressional briefings on progress and challenges in weather forecasting capabilities.