## Google’s AI, WeatherNext 2, Promises a Revolution in Forecasting
For decades, weather prediction has relied on complex physical calculations performed by energy-intensive supercomputers. Now, Google is pioneering a new approach using artificial intelligence to dramatically improve speed and accuracy in weather forecasting.
Developed through a collaboration between Google DeepMind and Google Research,weathernext 2 leverages AI to generate detailed forecasts significantly faster than traditional methods. While conventional models require hours to simulate weather patterns, WeatherNext 2 can achieve the same results in under a minute, utilizing a single TPU (tensor Processing Unit) chip. “This allows the model to generate not just 10 or 50 predictions, but hundreds or thousands in a short time,” explains Akib Uddin, Product Manager at Google DeepMind.
This capability provides meteorologists with a range of potential scenarios, crucial for anticipating extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, windstorms, and tropical cyclone advancement. the ability to quickly assess multiple possibilities allows for earlier detection of potential hazards, benefiting both forecasters and emergency planners.
WeatherNext 2 represents a substantial leap forward in performance. Google reports the new model is eight times faster than its predecessor and surpasses traditional forecasting methods in 99.9% of monitored meteorological parameters, including temperature, wind, humidity, and precipitation. It can produce hourly forecasts up to 15 days in advance, with a resolution high enough to capture localized weather phenomena often missed by coarser physical models. Notably, Google states WeatherNext 2’s accuracy exceeds that of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, long considered the industry benchmark.
The impact of these advancements extends beyond the meteorological community. Industries like energy, agriculture, and aviation will benefit from more precise, timely forecasts, enabling better decision-making. Rescue services will also gain valuable time to prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather.
Google intends to integrate WeatherNext 2 into its consumer-facing services, including Google Search, Maps, Pixel Weather, and Google Gemini, making more accurate weather information accessible to everyone for everyday planning, such as trips and outdoor activities.[Source:
[Source:AImagazine]
