Washington (April 11, 2025) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), today announced legislation to improve subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) weather forecasting efforts at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through investments in advanced approaches to S2S weather forecasting. S2S forecasting refers to timescales of two weeks to three months and three months to two years, respectively. The Forecasting Optimization for Robust Earth Climate Analysis and Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Tracking (FORECAST) Act of 2025 would authorize federal funding to support research, demonstration, and application of cutting-edge data management and weather modeling technologies to improve the reliability of S2S forecasts. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
“The recent devastating tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding in the central United States demonstrate the urgent need for improved forecasts to support our farmers, mariners, utility workers, city planners, and communities,” said Senator Markey. “In pursuit of a 21st-century weather enterprise that brings predictability to disaster planning, NOAA requires robust subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting capabilities. The FORECAST Act will provide NOAA with the direction and resources needed to fully realize an S2S forecasting architecture that is cutting-edge, reliable, and maintainable, ensuring the short- and long-term safety of communities in the face of severe weather.”
“As Mississippians live through this year’s tornado season, it is hard to think of a timelier bill,” said Senator Wicker. “We must keep improving weather forecasting, and I will continue supporting congressional efforts to make predictions as early and accurate as possible.”
“Long-term forecasts on storms like atmospheric rivers are critical for preparing communities for growing water challenges and flooding in the West,” said Senator Padilla. “This investment in the next generation of our weather workforce will strengthen our long-term forecasting capabilities and keep the public informed beyond traditional two-week weather forecasts in the face of the climate crisis.”
“As communities experience more extreme weather, we need to invest in forecasting technology and workforce development to make sure we’re prepared for these events,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill to build the next generation of researchers and engineers who will improve and operate forecasting and weather modeling technology. I’ll keep pushing for commonsense solutions that allow us to better adapt to climate change and become more resilient.”
The FORECAST Act also directs NOAA to continue its record of successful cross-sectoral collaboration with leading universities and scientific organizations to make the most of the latest advances in S2S forecasting efforts. The bill also directs NOAA to leverage emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and unmanned systems, and creates a new workforce development program to develop the next generation of professionals in the weather enterprise.
This legislation is endorsed by Woodwell Climate Center and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
Senators Markey and Padilla previously introduced the FORECAST Act in July 2024.
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