Radar Gap Elimination Act

This measure would push NOAA and the National Weather Service to close “radar gaps” so communities get better storm warnings. It creates a Radar Next Program to set standards for coverage across the U.S. and its territories and to plan a replacement for today’s NEXRAD radar network. The plan must test new radar technology, try out commercial options in a testbed, and get advice from meteorologists, emergency managers, and local officials. It must also map where new radars should go, including places more than 75 miles from current sites, and estimate how much accuracy and coverage will improve. NOAA may also partner with outside companies to quickly fill data gaps—sometimes using small, local “gap‑filling” radars or even weather camera systems—to better detect rain and severe weather over wider areas. The plan must be fully carried out by September 30, 2040.

Key points

• Who is affected: People in areas with poor radar coverage, especially rural or mountainous regions; weather forecasters; emergency managers; utilities; and local governments that may host small radars.
• What changes: NOAA sets up a Radar Next Program, builds and tests new radar options (including phased‑array), evaluates commercial systems, can buy “radar‑as‑a‑service” to fill gaps, and prioritizes new radar locations beyond 75 miles from existing sites .
• When: The full plan must be implemented by September 30, 2040, with periodic updates to Congress on progress.