NOAA Deploys AI Weather Forecasting Models Trained on Centuries of Data

Key Points

• NOAA is training AI models on hundreds of years of historical weather data
• New suite of AI weather prediction models announced to improve forecast speed and accuracy
• Initially used Google AI model but developed proprietary model using agency analyses
• Nvidia also investing heavily in AI weather forecasting with 15-day global forecasts

Full Details

NOAA announced a new suite of AI weather prediction models at a conference, marking a significant modernization of weather forecasting capabilities. The agency is training AI models on hundreds of years of historical weather data to improve prediction accuracy. NOAA initially used a Google AI model to start the machine learning forecasting project but later developed its own proprietary model using the agency's analyses. The National Hurricane Center has endorsed AI's potential to accelerate forecasting while maintaining scientist oversight. Big tech companies including Nvidia have invested heavily in AI weather prediction, with Nvidia announcing new AI models providing 15-day global forecasts. The initiative aims to help meteorologists and the public better anticipate severe weather events including floods and hurricanes.