Google & IBM: The Enterprises Developing AI for Meteorology

Weather prediction: a field once mired in inaccuracies is getting an uplift.

The once satellite- and sensor-dependent field of weather prediction has been revolutionised by the integration of AI.

This shift is dramatically improving the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting, achieving feats previously thought impossible.

Driving this innovation are leading tech companies and research institutions such as Google, IBM, NASA, and Previsico.

At a recent conference in London, the Met Office and the Alan Turing Institute unveiled FastNet, their cutting-edge AI-powered forecasting system.

Their application of AI is transforming meteorology and playing a crucial role in combating climate change.

Professor Kirstine Dale, Chief AI Officer at the Met Office, remarked, "We’re in the midst of an AI revolution and it’s happening at just the right time."

AI's role in transforming forecasting

Tech giants like Google and IBM are leveraging AI to redefine the capabilities of weather forecasting and climate analysis.

Google’s AI-driven flood forecasting system now spans more than 100 countries, reaching up to 700 million people globally.

This advanced system offers enhanced accuracy alongside a critical seven-day lead time, enabling better emergency preparedness and response.

To foster innovation and improve readiness for future climate challenges, Google has made this vital data accessible to researchers via an API and an open dataset, encouraging broader collaboration and advancements in disaster management.

IBM's AI in weather and climate predictions

IBM, in partnership with NASA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has introduced an AI foundation model specifically designed for weather and climate forecasting.

This cutting-edge model enhances the precision of targeted forecasts, identifies severe weather patterns, and boosts spatial resolution in climate simulations.

It also improves the representation of physical processes, a critical factor in building accurate and reliable weather models.

Both organisations are dedicated to democratising these technologies, promoting collaboration as a cornerstone of effective climate action.

"Our mission is to use AI to make flood forecasting information globally accessible," says Yossi Matias, Vice President and Head of Google Research.

AI’s potential in meteorology

The integration of AI with traditional physics-based numerical models brings immense opportunities alongside notable challenges.

AI models excel in processing vast datasets with remarkable speed, offering a resource-efficient alternative to conventional methods.

Dr Scott Hosking, Interim Director of Science and Innovation for Environment and Sustainability at the Alan Turing Institute, highlighted the pace of innovation in this field.

"In just a few months, the partnership between the Met Office and Turing has built something that matches the performance of traditional models," he said. "We are really pleased with our progress, but there’s a lot more to do."

Despite the advancements in AI, experts agree that human expertise remains vital in meteorology.

Dan Travers, Co-Founder of Open Climate Fix, underscores the importance of collaboration, stating: "I’m a massive believer that the computer should follow the subject matter experts into the field."

Dr Florence Rabier of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts echoes this sentiment, stating: "Only meteorologists can truly assess the quality of the models to help us improve them."

The power of collaboration

The partnership between the Met Office and the Alan Turing Institute exemplifies how strategic collaboration can leverage AI for meaningful impact. While the initiative is centred on the UK, it establishes a benchmark for global efforts.

Dr Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, explained: "The aim is to put an AI weather prediction model in the hands of Met Office forecasters within 12 months."

Professor Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office, emphasises the significance of advancing these technologies: "Continuing to improve weather and climate understanding is critical to keep people safe, protect businesses, and improve our health," she says.

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