Google has introduced its new WeatherNext 3 global weather model, which combines artificial intelligence capabilities with real-time satellite observations.
One of the main features of this system is that forecasts are updated every hour. The model processes up-to-date data received from meteorological satellites, allowing it to respond much faster to changes occurring in the atmosphere. The new system can forecast air temperature and humidity with a spatial resolution of up to 5 kilometers. Other surface indicators are calculated with an accuracy of around 10 kilometers, while atmospheric parameters such as wind speed are calculated with 25-kilometer precision.
Frequent data updates are particularly important for assessing rapidly developing hazardous phenomena. This refers to heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and atmospheric fronts.
In addition, the system will have wide application in the renewable energy sector. It forecasts wind speed at an altitude of 100 meters and provides accurate data on cloud cover and solar radiation. This will help calculate the output of solar and wind power plants more efficiently. WeatherNext 3 is already being integrated into Google services.
AI-powered models do not replace traditional observations, but rather complement them.
This technological leap demonstrates how artificial intelligence is entering the management of vital infrastructure. Accurate, hourly updated weather forecasting is not a mere convenience, but a strategic tool for energy and disaster risk management.
Notably, AI does not replace traditional meteorological stations, but relies on the data they collect. This means that even in the era of high-tech solutions, quality physical infrastructure remains essential.
