Tech giants unleash AI on weather forecasts: are they any good?

The article discusses the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in weather forecasting by major tech companies. These companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, are leveraging AI to enhance weather prediction capabilities, which have traditionally been dominated by government agencies and academic institutions. The article explores the potential benefits and challenges of AI-powered weather forecasts. While AI models can process vast amounts of data and identify complex patterns, the article notes that their accuracy is still a subject of debate. Experts suggest that AI-based forecasts may be particularly useful for short-term, localized predictions, but they may struggle with long-term, large-scale forecasting. The article also raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of AI-powered weather models, which can be seen as "black boxes" compared to traditional forecasting methods. Additionally, there are questions about the potential impact on public trust and the role of government agencies in weather prediction. Overall, the article provides a balanced perspective on the emerging use of AI in weather forecasting, highlighting both the opportunities and the ongoing challenges in this rapidly evolving field.