Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act
Sponsored By: Representative Obernolte
Introduced
Summary
Advance atmospheric river and subseasonal-to-seasonal precipitation forecasting to help western U.S. water managers and reduce storm impacts. The bill would direct NOAA to run at least one subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting pilot and to establish a national Atmospheric River Forecast Improvement Program to develop better models, observations, and public forecasts.
Show full summary
- Western water managers and communities would get at least one pilot focused on mountain precipitation, rain-versus-snow forecasts, storm tracks, and inland atmospheric river penetration.
- Emergency managers, utilities, and the public would gain more actionable probabilistic forecasts, new hazard-communication tools, and quantitative AR categorization to reduce loss of life, property, and economic damage.
- NOAA, universities, and the weather industry would get funding and partnerships for high-resolution modeling, enhanced satellite and ocean data assimilation, AI and machine learning, testbeds, reconnaissance data sharing, and improved observations.
*Would authorize about $15 million per year from 2026 through 2030 for pilot projects and the program, increasing federal spending over that period.*
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
National atmospheric river forecast program
NOAA would set up a national program to make atmospheric river forecasts more accurate and useful. It would work with industry and universities to improve models, data use, and warnings from seasonal to short-range time frames. The effort would fold in social and economic research so forecasts are easier to act on. Within 270 days, NOAA would have to publish a public plan and then send Congress an annual budget tied to that plan.
More flights and data for storms
NOAA would acquire and sustain planes, sensors, and crews to fly missions for hurricanes and atmospheric rivers. It would ensure these flights collect data through the storm seasons and share it for research and operations when practicable. NOAA would partner on flight planning, safeguard and archive the data, and consult with the Air Force to improve the mission.
Western water forecast pilot funding
NOAA would run at least one pilot to improve 2- to seasonal-length rain and snow forecasts for the western U.S. It would focus on mountain weather, rain-versus-snow, storm tracks, and atmospheric river landfalls and inland reach. The pilot could receive $15 million each year for 2026 through 2030. This would help water managers and communities plan for floods and water supply and would sunset five years after enactment.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Obernolte
CA • R
Cosponsors
Fong
CA • R
Sponsored 7/7/2025
Whitesides
CA • D
Sponsored 7/7/2025
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 8/8/2025
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
CA • D
Sponsored 8/26/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in