Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

This bill aims to improve forecasts for “atmospheric rivers” (long, strong bands of moisture that can cause heavy rain and snow) and to make rain and snow outlooks better weeks to months ahead. It tells NOAA to run pilot projects to boost precipitation forecasts for water managers in the western U.S., focusing on mountain weather, rain-versus-snow, storm tracks, and how atmospheric rivers behave. It also creates a national program to cut deaths, property damage, and economic losses by improving forecast models, using satellites and ocean data, and trying tools like machine learning, while also improving how warnings are shared with the public. A public plan is due within 270 days, with yearly budget updates . The bill supports data-gathering flights during these storms, upgrades weather monitoring where these events hit, and tests better ways to explain storm intensity and risk to people.

Key points

• Who is affected: Communities across the U.S. hit by atmospheric rivers; western water managers; NOAA and weather researchers .
• What changes: New pilot projects in the West; a national forecast improvement program; storm reconnaissance flights; better models and data; tools to predict active or quiet periods; clearer public communication; a plan posted for the public .
• Money: Authorizes $15 million each year for 2026–2030 for the pilot projects.
• When: Plan due within 270 days after enactment; annual budget submissions; pilot project authority ends five years after enactment .