The Radar Next Program is intended to address data gaps in weather radar coverage and enhance the capability to detect significant weather patterns. By ensuring the continued performance and improvement of the weather radar system, the bill is positioned to have positive repercussions for public safety and emergency management, as improved weather prediction can lead to better preparedness for severe weather events. This program is critical for timely and accurate weather forecasting, which is essential for protecting communities and infrastructure.
Summary
Senate Bill 3795, known as the Radar Next Program Act of 2026, aims to establish a comprehensive program to enhance and replace the existing Next Generation Weather Radar system (NEXRAD). The bill mandates the Under Secretary to work in consultation with the Director of the National Weather Service to create a plan improving the weather radar network across the United States, including territories. This initiative encompasses the development of performance requirements, coverage enhancements, and collaboration with the weather enterprise to identify technological solutions.
Contention
While the bill is likely to receive broad support due to its public safety implications, there may be concerns regarding the funding and resources necessary to implement these upgrades effectively. Additionally, discussions may emerge around the selection of partners and technology vendors for the radar system, particularly regarding transparency and competition. Stakeholders may also debate the adequacy of the timelines set forth for the program's execution, as the effects of these changes will have long-term implications for weather management and research.
Related
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2025 National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025 Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2025 Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
Weather Radar Coverage Improvement ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a plan to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system of the National Weather Service by September 30, 2040. (The NEXRAD system is a network of weather radars used to detect precipitation and wind.)Under the bill, the plan must incorporate certain elements, including estimates of improvements to coverage and accuracy made possible by replacement of the system and an evaluation of the potential use of commercial radars to replace or supplement the system. The bill also authorizes the National Weather Service to contract with third parties to fill gaps in radar coverage so as to better detect significant weather events over a larger area.
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March).
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2025 National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025 Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2025 Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025