Summary of HR 4416: Precipitation Forecast Improvement Program

Bill Number: HR 4416

Title: To establish in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program to improve precipitation forecasts, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 15, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Deborah K. Ross

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 4416 is to establish a dedicated program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aimed at enhancing precipitation forecasts. This initiative seeks to improve the accuracy and reliability of precipitation predictions across various timescales, which is critical for effective weather forecasting and climate resilience.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several key provisions for the program, including:

1. Research and Development: Focus on improving understanding and prediction of precipitation extremes from diverse weather systems and climate patterns.

2. Data Management: Enhance the development, management, and availability of datasets crucial for precipitation prediction.

3. Observational Improvements: Identify and enhance observations necessary for accurate precipitation forecasting, particularly concerning water vapor, oceans, and boundary layers.

4. Technology Utilization: Employ high-performance computing and advanced technologies to improve prediction skills for extreme precipitation events, such as atmospheric rivers and tropical cyclones.

5. Modeling Enhancements: Advance understanding of precipitation processes to improve forecasting models across various timescales, from weather to decadal predictions.

6. Collaboration: Foster partnerships with academic and private sectors to test emerging technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, for better forecasting.

7. Social Science Research: Support research in social and behavioral sciences to enhance communication and usability of precipitation forecast products.

8. Operational Improvements: Sustain and expand operational precipitation products and applications for decision support.

9. Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with Federal, State, local, Tribal, and academic entities to ensure comprehensive program activities.

10. Data Accessibility: Ensure that data management processes are in place to make data and metadata accessible and usable by the scientific community and the public.

Funding

The bill authorizes the following appropriations to NOAA for the program:

• Fiscal Year 2026: $15,000,000
• Fiscal Year 2027: $15,040,000
• Fiscal Year 2028: $15,080,800
• Fiscal Year 2029: $15,122,416
• Fiscal Year 2030: $15,200,000

Impact

The implementation of this program is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of precipitation forecasts, which will benefit various stakeholders, including:

• Government Agencies: Improved forecasting will aid in disaster preparedness and response.
• Agricultural Sector: Farmers will have better information for planning and resource management.
• Public Safety: Enhanced forecasts can help mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the same day it was introduced.
• The NOAA Administrator is required to revise and update the program's goals at least every two years, ensuring that the program remains relevant and effective.

This bill represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and aims to leverage modern technology and collaborative efforts to improve precipitation forecasting capabilities.