Information supply chain gaps for hard-to-reach communities: A solution-oriented framework from weather service insights

This article examines why some communities continue to face barriers to receiving timely, understandable and actionable weather and climate information. Drawing on case studies, interviews and workshops in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, it analyses how forecast and warning information moves through operational systems, partners, media and community intermediaries. The study focuses on populations facing barriers such as limited digital access, unstable housing, limited English proficiency and geographic isolation.

The key takeaway is that improving forecast communication requires more than clearer messages. The article introduces an Information Supply Chain Framework to show where information flows become less visible, delayed or ineffective, especially beyond primary partners and digital channels. It calls for expanded partnerships with community-based organizations, dedicated community engagement capacity, shared engagement databases, stronger coordination and better mechanisms to track whether warnings reach the people who need them.