Protecting spectrum for weather, climate and early warnings

From satellites measuring the Earth’s atmosphere to weather radars tracking approaching storms, radio-frequency spectrum is fundamental to understanding our planet.

Meteorological services rely on spectrum both to collect environmental measurements and to transmit the resulting data. This is particularly important for passive sensors, which measure radio-frequency energy emitted naturally by the Earth and atmosphere to provide information on temperature, humidity, precipitation, ocean conditions and other environmental variables.

These observations underpin weather forecasts, climate monitoring, water-resource management and early warning systems that help protect lives and livelihoods.

But as demand for spectrum grows across radiocommunication services, increasing pressure is being placed on frequency bands used for weather, climate, water and Earth system monitoring. Protecting sensitive observations from radio-frequency interference is essential to maintaining the quality, availability and continuity of environmental information worldwide.

Why protecting spectrum matters

Any degradation in the quality or availability of observational data can reduce the reliability of forecasts and warnings. The consequences can extend well beyond meteorology, affecting public safety, economic activity, disaster preparedness and environmental protection.

Reliable and continuous access to interference-free spectrum is therefore essential for maintaining meteorological services and ensuring that critical information reaches decision-makers, emergency responders and communities.

An observation ecosystem in transition

The global observation ecosystem is evolving rapidly.

Major space programmes and coordinated international systems continue to form the backbone of global meteorological observations. At the same time, industry is advancing sensing technologies such as radars and radiometers, while commercial operators are providing additional sources of environmental data through small-satellite constellations.

The way meteorological information is disseminated and processed is also changing. Satellite broadcast systems remain important, while cloud-based platforms are playing a growing role in storing, processing and distributing increasing volumes of data.

These developments offer new opportunities for improved observations and services but also add complexity to the way spectrum is used and managed.

Bringing the meteorological and spectrum communities together

These challenges and opportunities will be explored at the Global ITU/WMO Seminar Spectrum use for meteorology: challenges, opportunities and evolving requirements taking place from 28 to 30 September 2026 at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The seminar will bring together national meteorological agencies, spectrum regulators, scientists, industry representatives, international organizations and other experts to:

• review the role of spectrum in meteorological observation systems;
• present the requirements of national meteorological services;
• examine regulatory and interference-related challenges;
• highlight technological developments and industry perspectives;
• consider commercial environmental data and cloud-based processing; and
• discuss preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conferences in 2027 and 2031 on issues relevant to meteorology.

Spectrum use is governed internationally by the ITU Radio Regulations and supported by studies conducted through the ITU Radiocommunication Sector. Preparations for WRC-27 and future work towards WRC-31 include several issues relevant to meteorological services, making continued cooperation essential to ensure the adequate protection of critical observation systems and frequency bands.

A new reference for the meteorological community

The seminar will also mark the official signing and launch of the new joint ITU-WMO handbook, Use of Radio Spectrum for Meteorology: Weather, Climate, Water and Related Environmental Applications.

Drawing on the expertise of the two United Nations specialized agencies, the handbook provides an updated reference for meteorologists, spectrum managers, regulators and radiocommunication specialists.

It describes the technical and operational characteristics of meteorological and related environmental systems, explains their spectrum requirements, and addresses interference risks and the importance of protecting essential frequency bands over the long term.

As demand for spectrum increases and observation technologies evolve, this shared understanding will become increasingly important.

Strengthening cooperation across communities

Weather satellites, radars, environmental sensors and the networks that carry their data form part of an interconnected global system. Ensuring that these systems can continue to operate reliably requires cooperation among meteorological agencies, regulators, industry and international organizations.

The Global ITU/WMO Seminar provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, anticipate future spectrum requirements and build greater understanding between the communities that observe our planet and those responsible for managing the spectrum on which those observations depend.

By strengthening this cooperation, the seminar aims to support the sustainable and resilient operation of Earth observation systems worldwide.

Ultimately, protecting spectrum for meteorology means protecting the observations that enable societies to forecast the weather, monitor a changing climate, manage water resources and warn communities when hazardous conditions are approaching.

Join the conversation

Find out more, including registration and programme details, and access the ITU-WMO handbook.