# NOAA Moves Weather Forecasting to Cloud

NOAA is moving high-performance computing, weather-data storage, and National Weather Service forecasting applications from on-premises systems to cloud platforms. Google Cloud is the primary provider for the WCOSS modernization; NOAA targets a full-scale system by the end of 2026 and go-live by the end of 2027, with a separate Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System migration planned for early 2028. The effort is intended to improve weather-model flexibility, data access, continuity across forecast offices, and support for AI-based forecasting. No contract value, solicitation number, or open procurement opportunity is identified.

- NOAA’s stated modernization needs point to demand for cloud engineering, migration, high-performance computing, weather-data management, and operational support services.
- Companies should distinguish the WCOSS work from the separate AWIPS migration when assessing potential requirements; the signals do not identify a solicitation or upcoming bid deadline.
- The two-tier data architecture and AI-enabled forecasting create relevant capability areas for suppliers, but the signals do not specify requirements or contract vehicles.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Cloud Services, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Weather Service (NWS)
- National Centers for Environmental Prediction Central Operations

### Vendors
- Google Cloud (Primary provider for NOAA’s WCOSS modernization)

### Key Quotes
> Trapped data is actually probably not my biggest problem. It's actually data that we've deleted and will never get back.
> — Neil Jacobs, NOAA administrator

### Sources
- [NOAA seeks to improve weather forecasting through cloud migration - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2026/10/noaa-seeks-improve-weather-forecasting-through-cloud-migration/416790) - Nextgov/FCW
- [NOAA Moves Weather Data to Cloud as Agencies Scale AI | GovCIO Media & Research](https://govciomedia.com/noaa-moves-weather-data-to-cloud-as-agencies-scale-ai) - GovCIO Media & Research