The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will take up a sweeping legislative package this week aimed at bolstering weather forecasting and warning programs. Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) are moving quickly to turn around their “Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act,” S. 3923. They introduced the legislation last week and will bring it to a committee vote Wednesday. Lawmakers will also consider a two-year NASA reauthorization, an amended version ofS. 933, that has the support of both Cruz and Cantwell. The weather package includes 17 bills meant to strengthen forecasting and weather warning programs at NOAA. 

Other weather forecasting news:

• The Weather Channel: Storm Prediction Center adds intensity levels to severe weather forecasts; here’s what that means
• Desert Research Institute: News release: Accounting for soil saturation enhances atmospheric river flood warnings