This legislation, titled the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, aims to significantly improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather research, forecasting, and prediction capabilities. It reauthorizes and amends the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, prioritizing public safety and economic enhancement through accurate and timely weather information. The bill mandates coordination and modernization of observational infrastructure, forecasting systems, and impact-based decision support services.

The Act reauthorizes and enhances several critical programs, including the VORTEX-USA program for tornado forecasting, the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program, and the Tsunami Warning and Education Act, with a focus on improving lead times and incorporating social sciences. It also establishes a new Precipitation Forecast Improvement Program to enhance predictions across various timescales, including atmospheric rivers. These efforts are supported by mandates for improved observing system planning, simulation experiments, and prioritization of advanced computing resources, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

A major focus is placed on enhancing federal weather forecasting and innovation through initiatives like the Next-Generation Numerical Weather Prediction Initiative and the Radar Next Program, which plans for the replacement of the NEXRAD system by 2040. The bill addresses data voids in under-observed areas and establishes new programs for Atmospheric Rivers and Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Forecast Improvement. It also creates a National Integrated Heat Health Information System and mandates improvements in aviation weather forecasting and data dissemination.

The legislation significantly expands NOAA's Commercial Data Program and establishes a Commercial Data Pilot Program to acquire weather and environmental data from private sector entities, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and data quality standards. It also mandates the development of consistent and open data standards, improved data infrastructure, and enhanced data assimilation and sharing practices with the broader weather enterprise.

To improve public communication, the bill requires NOAA to maintain and improve its system for communicating hazardous weather and water event risks, including simplifying terminology and developing metrics for effectiveness. It reauthorizes and modernizes NOAA Weather Radio, expanding its coverage and resilience. The Act also mandates post-storm surveys and assessments to improve data collection and integrate social, behavioral, and economic sciences into hazard communication research.

New provisions address Fire Ready Nation, establishing a comprehensive fire weather services program to improve predictions, warnings, and decision support for wildfires and related hazards. This includes developing a fire weather testbed, modernizing data management, and enhancing the Incident Meteorologist Service. The bill also reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act, incorporating atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events into risk assessments, and enhances water data management through the National Mesonet Program and the National Water Center.

Further provisions include reauthorization of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act, establishing a national-level incubator program and improving observing networks. The bill also addresses workforce needs within the National Weather Service, including hiring assessments and support for employees engaged in emergency response. Finally, it mandates plans to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and requires regular reporting on unfunded priorities and capital investment plans for NOAA.