How Google, IBM & Met Office Use AI to Predict the Weather

Predicting the weather, a task once reliant solely on satellite data and surface sensors, has undergone a transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI).

This evolution is enhancing accuracy and simplifying the process of weather forecasting in ways previously unimaginable.

At the forefront of this revolution are tech giants and research institutions Google, IBM, NASA and Previsico. These organisations are utilising AI to refine and advance the field of meteorology, showcasing a proactive approach in our battle against climate change.

Their efforts were highlighted in London, where the Met Office and the Alan Turing Institute introduced their new AI system, FastNet AI forecaster.

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

Integrating AI into forecasting

Companies such as Google and IBM are utilising AI to push the boundaries of weather forecasting and climate analysis.

Google has notably expanded its AI-powered flood forecasting system, which now covers more than 100 countries and has the potential to benefit 700 million people arcross the globe.

This system not only promises improved accuracy but also provides a crucial seven-day lead time, essential for effective emergency responses.

Google has also made this vital flood forecasting data accessible to researchers through an API and dataset to spur further innovation and preparedness for future climate-related disasters.

Simultaneously, IBM, in collaboration with NASA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has developed an AI foundation model tailored for weather and climate predictions.

This model enhances targeted forecasting, detects severe weather patterns, elevates spatial resolution in climate simulations and improves the representation of physical processes essential for accurate weather models.

Both organisations are committed to making these technologies accessible, fostering a culture of collaboration essential for comprehensive climate action.

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

The potential impacts of AI in meteorology

The fusion of AI with traditional physics-based numerical models offers both prospects and challenges.

AI models can process vast datasets swiftly, presenting an efficient alternative to the resource-heavy conventional models.

Dr Scott Hosking, Interim Director of Science and Innovation of Environment and Sustainability at the Turing Institute, notes the rapid advancements in this area.

"In just a few months, the partnership between the Met Office and Turing has built something that matches the performance of traditional models," he says.

"We are really pleased with our progress but there’s a lot more to do."

However, the consensus among experts is that human insight remains indispensable in meteorology.

Dan Travers, Co-Founder of Open Climate Fix, advocates for a collaborative approach.

"I’m a massive believer that the computer should follow the subject matter experts into the field," he says.

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

Collaboration is key

The collaboration between the Met Office and the Alan Turing Institute is a prime example of how strategic partnerships can harness AI for the greater good.

This initiative focuses primarily on the UK but sets a global precedent.

Dr Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, says: "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, adds: "Continuing to improve weather and climate understanding is critical to keep people safe, protect businesses and improve our health."

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