The introduction of technologies that use 5G-networks can reduce the accuracy of weather forecasts by 30%, according to the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The accuracy of forecasting may decrease to the level of the year 1980.
Accurate weather forecasting is particularly relevant for residents of US coastal areas suffering from periodic hurricanes. Residents of these regions will be notified 2-3 days later about the impending disaster, which means people and organizations may not have enough time to take the preparatory measures in time.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently offering the operators of 5G networks a 24 GHz frequency band. Meanwhile, satellites of the meteorological service use the ability to generate weak electrical signals at a frequency of 23.8 GHz to track the condition of the atmosphere. Approximation to such operating frequencies of 5G networks will reduce the ability of weather satellites to form an accurate weather forecast.
Operators of 5G networks are encouraged to use less powerful sources of base station signals, which will reduce the level of interference. However, the problems of meteorologists do not end there. In the future, it is planned to sell frequencies to communication operators, which can reduce the likelihood of predicting precipitation (36–37 GHz), temperature tracking accuracy (50.2–50.4 GHz) and cloudiness (80–90 GHz).
To prevent a decline in the accuracy of weather forecasts, the United States is conducting intergovernmental consultations. The final decision on the allocation of frequency bands for 5G-networks will be made this fall.
