Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill would upgrade U.S. weather and water forecasting to better protect lives and property. It tells NOAA to make clear, timely warnings a top priority for the public and partners. It invests in faster computers and artificial intelligence to improve forecast models and speed research, including work with national labs and universities. It also strengthens ties with the private sector by testing and buying commercial weather data and by placing sensors on aircraft, ships, satellites, and other platforms.

The bill creates or expands programs to improve precipitation forecasts, coastal flooding and storm surge warnings, and aviation weather measurements, and it works to make risk messages easier to understand, including a pilot to test better tornado communication . It supports farmers and water managers with new long‑range rain and snow forecast projects, stronger drought tools, and a national soil‑moisture monitoring network . It expands monitoring and forecasting of harmful algal blooms through a national observing network and dedicated NOAA activities . It also renews landslide preparedness, adding better debris‑flow warnings, improved risk maps, and more support for Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities, including regional partnerships such as in Alaska .

• Who is affected

  • People in areas hit by severe weather and flooding, including coastal communities facing storm surge , and anyone who relies on clear weather warnings.
  • Farmers and water managers in the West and central U.S..
  • Tribal governments and Native Hawaiian organizations involved in hazard planning and response.
  • Areas affected by harmful algal blooms, including coastal and Great Lakes regions .

• What changes

  • Clearer, more timely warnings and better risk communication, including a tornado‑communication pilot.
  • Stronger precipitation, coastal flooding/storm surge, and aviation weather programs .
  • More powerful computing and AI to improve forecasts.
  • Testing and buying commercial weather data and hosting NOAA instruments on private platforms.
  • Updated landslide data, debris‑flow early warnings, and community support, including for Tribal and Native Hawaiian partners .

• When

  • Several plans and programs must begin within 180 days of enactment.
  • Many activities are authorized for funding through fiscal years 2026–2030 .