What happened
Google has launched WeatherNext 3, an advanced AI model that provides more accurate, high-resolution weather forecasts by using real-time satellite data instead of traditional physics simulations.
The new model uses real-time satellite data to track fast-changing weather with incredible precision.
The model generates hourly forecasts at multiple spatial resolutions, maintaining physical consistency from broad global wind patterns all the way down to local topography.
The model forecasts 100-meter wind speeds (roughly at turbine-height) for precise wind-energy output, alongside high-resolution cloud cover and sun radiation levels to help solar farms estimate how much light they will receive on the ground.
The model introduces predictions specifically engineered for renewable energy production, allowing grid operators and renewables developers to accurately predict how much power their clean energy assets will generate and match it with consumer demand.
The model provides a significant leap in precipitation forecasting accuracy, with evaluations against baselines showing a Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS) improvement of up to 60% against IMERG, 30% for MRMS, and 10% against rain gauge measurements for early lead times.
Source details: deepmind.google ↗
Why it matters
The new model uses real-time satellite data to track fast-changing weather with incredible precision, providing hourly, high-resolution forecasts that are five times sharper than previous versions.
The new model provides hourly, high-resolution forecasts that are five times sharper than previous versions.
The model uses real-time satellite data to track fast-changing weather with incredible precision.
The model provides a significant leap in precipitation forecasting accuracy, with evaluations against baselines showing a Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS) improvement of up to 60% against IMERG, 30% for MRMS, and 10% against rain gauge measurements for early lead times.
What to watch next
The new model will be integrated across Google's core ecosystem, including Search, Gemini, Maps, Google Maps Platform, and Cloud, and will provide hourly, high-resolution forecasts that are five times sharper than previous versions.
The new model will be integrated across Google's core ecosystem, including Search, Gemini, Maps, Google Maps Platform, and Cloud.
The model will provide hourly, high-resolution forecasts that are five times sharper than previous versions.
The model will be available globally, with the update dramatically improving longer term forecasts.