Summary

Requires NOAA, through its U.S. Weather Research Program, to run at least two pilot projects to improve subseasonal-to-seasonal (weeks-to-months) precipitation forecasts for western U.S. water management and U.S. agriculture. Each pilot must meet specified science and modeling objectives, carry out defined activities and partnerships, and operate under a five-year authority. The bill authorizes $45,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025–2029 to carry out the pilots.

Key Points

• Requires at least two subseasonal-to-seasonal precipitation forecast pilot projects under NOAA targeted to western U.S. water management and U.S. agriculture.
• Sets explicit science and modeling objectives and requires partnerships with federal, state, Tribal, research, and user communities.
• Authorizes $45,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025–2029 (total $225 million authorized) to carry out the pilots.
• Pilot authority is time-limited with a five-year sunset for implementation.
• Emphasizes research-to-operations, data/model sharing, and evaluation of forecast utility for reservoir operations, irrigation, and other water/agriculture decisions.
• Focuses on improving forecast skill at subseasonal-to-seasonal lead times (weeks to months), not just short-term weather forecasts.
• Intended outcome is more actionable forecast products that help water managers and agricultural stakeholders make decisions under drought/flood risk.
• Does not itself appropriate funds; it is an authorization of program activity and funding levels.

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