Federal Funding Opportunities for Observations-based research in NOAA's Weather Program Office

High-impact weather phenomena will continue to affect life, property and the national economy and as a result, advancing weather forecasting and numerical weather prediction capabilities is critical in alleviating these societal and environmental impacts. Without accurate, precise, and targeted observations, we would not have the capability to measure or predict meteorological variables fundamental to weather forecasting. When it comes to forecast operations and numerical weather prediction initialization and verification, weather observations play an integral role.

The Observations Program in NOAA’s Weather Program Office (WPO) supports research to advance and improve weather observing technology critical for the detection and forecasting of hazardous weather phenomena. The Observations Program works closely with the research and operational communities in government, academia, and private industry to develop and guide the transition of weather observing technology into operations. The goals of the Observations program directly align with the legislation mandated by The Weather Act of 2017: to advance observations to improve weather research and forecasting, particularly for high impact weather, to protect life and property. The Observations team has a strong focus on building a Climate- and Weather-Ready Nation, as well as advancing the weather Enterprise as a whole, by improving weather predictions and enhancing comprehensive observations and monitoring systems.

Under WPO Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), the Observations Program successfully funded 18 projects in Fiscal Year 2021 and 11 projects in Fiscal Year 2023 aiming to develop and demonstrate innovative weather observing technologies that have high potential for advancing an observation systems portfolio that is mission-effective, integrated, adaptable, and affordable. A few highlights of these cutting edge research projects range from smartphone pressure observations to Saildrones and long-range long-duration balloons. It is anticipated that, given available funding, the next Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Observations Program is projected for FY25.