Google's DeepMind has developed GenCast, an artificial intelligence that surpasses traditional weather forecasting methods, achieving unprecedented accuracy in predicting severe weather events.
Located in London, DeepMind's new tool can generate 15-day forecasts in just eight minutes, compared to several hours for existing models. According to Google, GenCast outperformed the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in over 97% of the 1,320 climate disasters tested from 2019.
GenCast's capabilities include better predictions for daily weather and extreme events, providing alerts up to 15 days in advance. This advancement is crucial as extreme weather conditions become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Recent disasters, such as the deadly wildfires in Hawaii and the heatwave in Morocco, highlight the need for improved forecasting. Google emphasizes that more accurate predictions can help authorities protect lives, prevent significant property damage, and save money.