Google recently revealed an AI-powered weather forecast model called GenCast. The program can produce 15-day forecasts that, according to studies, are more accurate than original systems 97.2% of the time. That makes sense as weather predictions are based on probabilities, which are determined by patterns and data. AI is very good at processing data and picking up patterns.
According to Google, "a GenCast forecast comprises an ensemble of 50 or more predictions, each representing a possible weather trajectory. The diffusion model has adapted to the spherical geometry of the Earth, and learns to accurately generate the complex probability distribution of future weather scenarios when given the most recent state of the weather as input".
That sounds impressive. The weather is a very important element in so many people's lives. Farming, transport, travel, entertainment and many other industries rely heavily on weather forecasts. And then, of course, there is the threat of extreme weather, which, if picked up early, can save people's lives. I love checking the weather, when GenCast goes mainstream, sign me up!