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Senate Unanimously Passes Weather Act to Modernize Forecasting and Hurricane Prediction

Senate Unanimously Passes Weather Act to Modernize Forecasting and Hurricane Prediction

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, also known as the Weather Act (S. 3923). This comprehensive bill aims to modernize the nation's weather forecasting system and reauthorize various programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Key provisions include establishing the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program as a long-term initiative to enhance predictions of rapid hurricane intensification, storm tracks, and storm surge. The legislation also directs NOAA to design and deploy the next generation of weather radar by 2037, address current radar coverage gaps, and upgrade NOAA Weather Radio equipment, expanding its coverage in rural areas. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the national Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program and mandates a new interagency effort on extreme heat. Introduced by Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the bill now moves t...
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Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Weather Forecasting Bill to Modernize NOAA Programs

Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Weather Forecasting Bill to Modernize NOAA Programs

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Weather Act). This legislation reauthorizes numerous weather forecasting and hazard communication programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill, a bicameral agreement, is now expected to be taken up by the House of Representatives and sent to the President's desk before the end of the 119th Congress. Key sponsors include Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member. The Weather Act incorporates over a dozen bipartisan bills, including Senator Cruz’s NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, which aims to upgrade weather radio equipment for more reliable emergency broadcasts. The legislation was developed in response to gaps identified after the deadly July 2025 floods in Texas’ Hill Country.
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Senator Moran's FORECAST Act Unanimously Approved by Senate, Aiming to Modernize Weather Services

Senator Moran's FORECAST Act Unanimously Approved by Senate, Aiming to Modernize Weather Services

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the Senate's unanimous passage of his FORECAST Act. This legislation is integrated into the broader Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Weather Act). The Weather Act encompasses over 17 bipartisan bills designed to enhance natural disaster preparedness, modernize radar and satellite technology, update National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio systems, and strengthen overall weather forecasting and communication for public safety. Senator Moran emphasized that the FORECAST Act specifically aims to ensure National Weather Service (NWS) offices maintain adequate staffing to provide continuous, 24/7 weather forecasting services to communities. The bill includes provisions to exempt certain NWS employees, such as those responsible for issuing warnings, maintaining critical equipment, and protecting life and property, from potentia...
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'Winter's first warning' is here. Will cold be gone by Thanksgiving?

'Winter's first warning' is here. Will cold be gone by Thanksgiving?

A cold snap that's being felt across much of the eastern half of the country should be a distant memory by Thanksgiving.
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Senator Moran's FORECAST Act, Part of Weather Act, Unanimously Passes Senate to Exempt NWS from Hiring Freezes

Senator Moran's FORECAST Act, Part of Weather Act, Unanimously Passes Senate to Exempt NWS from Hiring Freezes

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the FORECAST Act, introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), as part of the broader Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, also known as the 'Weather Act.' This legislation specifically exempts certain National Weather Service (NWS) employees from any executive order or memorandum imposing a hiring freeze. The exempted roles are critical for issuing weather and flood warnings, maintaining essential observational equipment, and protecting life and property. Senator Moran, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, initiated this bill over a year ago to enhance weather warnings and safety measures. The bill's passage follows his previous efforts to secure a federal hiring-freeze exemption for the NWS to address staffing shortages, particularly at the NWS office in Goodland, Kansas, which previously relied on temporary rotations of employees from other offices.
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Senator Rosen's Weather Forecasting Bill Passes Senate, Aims to Aid Nevada Farmers and Ranchers

Senator Rosen's Weather Forecasting Bill Passes Senate, Aims to Aid Nevada Farmers and Ranchers

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen's 'Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act' has successfully passed the Senate as part of the bipartisan Weather Act. This legislation is designed to enhance weather forecasting capabilities for the benefit of Nevada's agricultural sector. The bill establishes new subseasonal and seasonal forecasting pilot projects under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These projects aim to improve advanced forecasts, covering periods from two weeks to two years, thereby creating more consistent short-term and long-term weather predictions. The primary goal is to better prepare farmers and ranchers for potential weather anomalies, such as flash floods or extreme drought conditions. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration, and if passed there, it will proceed to the President's desk for signature. Senator Rosen emphasized the importance of investing in weather prediction technology and funding NOAA p...
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Senator Budd Applauds Senate Passage of Weather Act, Strengthening Hurricane Forecasting and Radar Systems

Senator Budd Applauds Senate Passage of Weather Act, Strengthening Hurricane Forecasting and Radar Systems

U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has lauded the Senate's passage of the Weather Act, which includes two of his key legislative provisions: the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program Enhancement Act and the Radar Next Program Act. These provisions aim to significantly enhance the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) research and forecasting programs. The Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program Enhancement Act is designed to improve the accuracy and extension of hurricane forecasts, predictions, and warnings, with the goal of reducing loss of life, injury, and economic damage. The Radar Next Program Act establishes a program at NOAA to plan and deploy the next-generation weather radar system across the United States. This modernization effort includes developing a plan to replace the aging Doppler radar network by fiscal year 2040 and implementing phased array radar technology, which can scan the atmosphere six times faster than current systems. The Weather Act, which Senator Budd co-sponsor...
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NOAA Predicts Strengthening El Niño to Bring Wetter Winter to Southern U.S.

NOAA Predicts Strengthening El Niño to Bring Wetter Winter to Southern U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has issued an update indicating that the current El Niño phenomenon continues to strengthen, with a strong-to-very strong El Niño likely to persist through January-March 2027. Historically, this pattern predicts a wetter than normal winter with more frequent and stronger storms across much of the southern United States, including Texas. NOAA now assigns a 60% probability that El Niño will reach historically exceptional intensity during October-December or November-January. This strengthening is attributed to increased temperature anomalies, averaging approximately a half-degree Celsius in the last month. For areas like Houston, the primary concern is not hurricanes but rather the potential for more frequent rainstorms, prolonged wet periods, and an increased risk of winter and spring flooding. Conversely, stronger El Niño conditions can lead to warmer, drier conditions in parts of the northern United States.
1Weather1Weather
Rain Threat Spreads From California to Texas This Weekend

Rain Threat Spreads From California to Texas This Weekend

A powerful storm pattern is expected to bring rain and gusty winds across parts of the United States this weekend and into Monday. The system will begin in the West on Friday, with an atmospheric river splitting into two and a cold front bringing heavy rain to Central and Southern California. Storms will then move east toward Texas, where San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi face a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat. Kalshi's precipitation estimates show high rain chances in Seattle (99%), San Francisco (94%), San Antonio (86%) and Dallas (84%), while Phoenix has a 54% chance.
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Senator Cantwell Leads Unanimous Senate Passage of Weather Act Reauthorization to Strengthen NOAA Programs

Senator Cantwell Leads Unanimous Senate Passage of Weather Act Reauthorization to Strengthen NOAA Programs

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, successfully led the unanimous Senate passage of the bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Weather Act). This legislation has now been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Weather Act is designed to authorize and strengthen programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), focusing on enhancing weather research and forecasting capabilities. The goal is to improve the nation's preparedness and response to dangerous weather disasters, ultimately saving lives. Senator Cantwell, a long-time advocate for NOAA, previously secured $3.3 billion in NOAA investments through the Inflation Reduction Act to support climate change adaptation, scientific understanding of weather patterns, and advanced computing for extreme weather prediction. The bill also incorporates elements from her Fire Ready Nation Act, w...
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El Niño Strengthens to 'Super El Niño' Status, Expected to Impact U.S. Winter Weather

El Niño Strengthens to 'Super El Niño' Status, Expected to Impact U.S. Winter Weather

El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, has intensified to 'Super El Niño' status. This designation occurs when sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Pacific exceed 2.0°C, a threshold that has been met with reported anomalies of 2.5°C. This year's event is considered exceptionally strong, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projecting an over 80% chance it could be the strongest since 1950. The phenomenon, named by Peruvian fishermen for its tendency to appear around Christmas, is expected to persist into early 2027. Its influence extends globally, affecting the jet stream and weather patterns across the United States, leading to questions about its impact on winter temperatures, snowfall, and storms. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which includes El Niño and its cooler counterpart La Niña, is the largest driver of year-to-year weather variability worldwide.
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Missed Hegseth vote disappointed Americans, Democratic leader says

Missed Hegseth vote disappointed Americans, Democratic leader says

By Nolan D.