The document, titled *Use of Radio Spectrum for Meteorology: Weather, Climate, Water and Related Environmental Applications*, updates the technical and regulatory recommendations related to the frequencies used by meteorological observation systems.
These bands allow us to obtain information about the atmosphere, the oceans and the Earth's surface, as well as transmit data used in weather forecasting, early warning systems, climate monitoring and water resource management.
The new publication pays special attention to the possible consequences of radio interference on the accuracy and availability of this data.
Frequencies determined by the properties of the atmosphere
Meteorological systems use different parts of the radio spectrum depending on the type of observation they need to make. In certain cases, the frequencies used cannot be easily replaced by other bands, since the measurements depend on the physical properties of the atmosphere and the natural signals emitted or absorbed at specific frequencies.
Some sensors installed on satellites, for example, detect extremely weak natural signals to determine various atmospheric and environmental parameters. The presence of sufficiently intense artificial emissions in these bands or at nearby frequencies can interfere with the measurements and affect the quality of the data obtained.
Satellite sensors for observing the atmosphere
Earth observation instruments installed on satellites use the radio spectrum to perform different types of measurements. These sensors allow the collection of information on atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial parameters, which is then incorporated into meteorological and climate models.
Protection against interference is especially important for passive sensors, which do not transmit their own signals but measure natural emissions from the Earth and atmosphere. Due to the low intensity of these signals, radio interference can distort the values recorded by the instrument.
Weather radars and lightning detection systems
The use of the spectrum in meteorology is not limited to satellites. Weather radars use radio waves to detect precipitation and analyze characteristics such as its intensity, location, and movement.
Lightning detection systems also use radio technologies to identify and track electrical activity associated with storms. These systems are complemented by observation systems installed on aircraft and vessels, as well as various hydrological monitoring networks.
They all generate data that can later be integrated into national and international observation and prediction systems.
Interferences that may affect the forecasts
The increase in the number of wireless services and satellite communication systems is increasing the demand for different spectrum bands. This evolution necessitates the compatibility of new radiocommunication services with the frequencies used for meteorological and environmental observation.
According to the joint ITU-WMO document, interference can reduce the accuracy or availability of data used by meteorological services. A degradation of observations can subsequently affect systems that use that information, including forecasting models, environmental monitoring services, and early warning platforms.
The spectrum as part of early warning systems
Meteorological observations are one of the sources of information used to identify potentially dangerous phenomena. Satellites, radars, weather stations, and other sensors provide data that allow us to monitor the evolution of storms, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions.
The information is also used in systems related to flooding and hydrological management. For this reason, the availability of the spectrum used to collect and transmit this data is part of the technological infrastructure necessary for the operation of early warning systems.
New guidelines for spectrum management
The manual compiles technical, operational, and regulatory information designed to facilitate the management of frequencies used by meteorological and Earth observation services. Its objectives include providing information to analyze the compatibility between different radio services and assessing interference protection needs.
The document also aims to facilitate coordination between meteorological agencies and the authorities responsible for managing the radio spectrum. This coordination becomes increasingly important as the use of frequencies for mobile communications, wireless networks, satellite systems, and new connectivity applications grows.
ITU and WMO analyze the evolution of spectrum needs
The publication of the manual coincides with the *Global ITU-WMO Seminar on Spectrum Use for Meteorology: Challenges, Opportunities, and Evolving Requirements*. The meeting will be held at ITU headquarters in Geneva from September 28 to 30, 2026.
During the seminar, recent and planned international decisions related to the use of the spectrum by meteorological and Earth observation services are analyzed.
Among the issues discussed were also the results of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences, where different aspects related to the allocation and use of the spectrum are agreed upon internationally.
The simultaneous growth of wireless communications, satellite services, and environmental observation needs thus raises new coordination requirements to maintain the availability of frequencies used in meteorology, climate monitoring, and early warning systems.
