National Mesonet Authorization Act

HR 2995, the National Mesonet Authorization Act, establishes a formal National Mesonet Program within the National Weather Service to enhance weather observation networks. The program leverages existing commercial, academic, and non-Federal weather data to improve severe weather forecasting, warnings, and emergency response by increasing data density and quality across the U.S. It authorizes $50-70 million annually (2024-2028) to provide financial and technical assistance to state, tribal, private, and academic entities that expand their weather monitoring systems and share data with the program. This directly affects weather data providers and the National Weather Service, aiming to reduce forecasting gaps and support a 30-minute severe weather warning target. The bill requires regular congressional reporting on program progress and data integration efforts.