A new handbook aims to protect radio spectrum used by weather systems

Weather radar, radiosondes, active and passive Earth-observation sensors, and space-weather instruments depend on different bands. Interference can erase weak signals or contaminate measurements.

The edition was launched at a September 28–30 seminar in Geneva as commercial communications and satellite demand grows ahead of the 2027 and 2031 World Radiocommunication Conferences.

Why interference affects forecasts

Passive sensors read extremely faint natural emissions from the atmosphere and surface. Leakage from strong nearby transmitters can create errors that software cannot fully reconstruct.

What the handbook covers

It gives common ground for equipment requirements, radio rules, sharing conditions and protection methods, while considering cloud processing and commercial data.

Forecasts do not improve instantly

The launch updates principles and negotiating evidence. Actual interference reduction depends on national licensing, equipment standards, cross-border coordination and future WRC decisions.

What to watch

Seminar outcomes, WMO positions for WRC-27 and national spectrum plans are the next checkpoints; no particular mobile band was automatically banned.

Primary source and independent checks

Primary source: ITU official announcement

Institutional measurement or explanation: WMO joint announcement

Independent check: WMO seminar record

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