NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026

This bill, titled the NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026, aims to strengthen and update the National Integrated Drought Information System. It expands NIDIS's mandate to include research and tools for flash drought , refine drought indicators, and improve decision support products. The legislation also emphasizes leveraging existing NOAA resources and addressing critical data gaps such as snowpack, soil moisture, and groundwater. Furthermore, the bill directs NIDIS to advance and deploy next-generation technologies , including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technologies, for enhanced drought monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting. It requires a plan within one year to integrate improved modeling tools into probabilistic forecasts and establishes partnerships with the National Mesonet Program for high-quality data. The bill authorizes appropriations for NIDIS, starting at $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and increasing incrementally to $17,000,000 by fiscal year 2030.