Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act would authorize and guide federal efforts to sharpen predictions of precipitation and atmospheric river (AR) events, with a particular focus on water management in the western United States. It does this through two main components: 1) a set of subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting pilot projects within NOAA to tackle science and operational gaps (notably in mountainous terrain, boundary-layer and AR science, and winter storm tracks) and 2) the creation of an Atmospheric River Forecast Improvement Program aimed at developing better AR forecasts, forecasting systems, data assimilation, and user-focused products. The bill also strengthens operations support (including aircraft reconnaissance) and calls for improved hazard communication related to AR events. A total of $15 million per year is authorized for 2026–2030 to fund the pilot projects, and several planning and transparency steps (plans, annual budgets, public release of plans) are required.