Google's new AI weather system, fresh forecast every hour

Google has introduced a new system based on artificial intelligence to make weather forecasts faster, more localized and more detailed. Developed by Google DeepMind and Google Research, ‘Weather Next 3’ will be used for global weather forecasts and will release new forecasts every hour.

Local weather information up to 5 km

The highlight of Weather Next 3 is its spatial resolution, which is up to 5 km. This provides about five times more clear and detailed information than its previous model.

The new system also uses real-world data from stations on the ground, along with live images received from planets orbiting the Earth. In this way, it produces forecasts without relying as much on traditional numerical weather forecasts as before.

Temperature and humidity measurements near the ground are provided up to 5 km, while wind speed information is provided at a level of up to 10 km. This helps to obtain more local weather information even in areas where weather data and facilities are traditionally limited.

Up to 50% improvement in rainfall forecasting

A key feature of the system is the rainfall forecasting. According to the information provided, the error indicators in key rainfall parameters have been reduced by up to 50% compared to traditional numerical standard models.

Improvements are also claimed in long-term forecasts. Rainfall forecasts are expected to be up to 50% more accurate when planning a day or more in advance, while this difference will be more noticeable in areas where previous weather forecasts have been relatively less reliable.

New data for clean energy too

WeatherNext 3 is not limited to just general weather forecasts. Specific information is also provided for grid operators and clean energy producers, including wind speed for a 100-meter-high wind turbine, the presence of clouds at different heights and the intensity of solar radiation.

Used in various Google services

Weather Next 3 has already been introduced and starting today is further enhancing weather-related features in Google Search, Gemini, Google Maps, the Google Maps Platform Weather API and Google Earth Engine.

The system provides updated forecasts every hour, which will allow for additional time to get information about storms, weather fronts and rapid changes in severe weather conditions.