Google launches WeatherNext 3 AI for hourly global weather forecasts

Google DeepMind and Google Research have introduced WeatherNext 3, an AI-powered global weather forecasting model that generates updates every hour. By directly ingesting live geostationary satellite mosaics and ground station data, the model avoids the delays associated with traditional numerical weather prediction models.

The system provides high-resolution forecasts, resolving surface temperature and moisture at 5 km and surface winds at 10 km. This precision is expected to improve precipitation forecasts by up to 50% on key benchmarks. Additionally, the model has demonstrated superior performance in forecasting cyclones, providing an extra day of warning by delivering three-day forecasts with the accuracy previously seen in two-day predictions.

WeatherNext 3 is currently being integrated into Google Search, Gemini, Google Maps, the Maps Platform Weather API, Google Earth Engine, and Google Cloud services. The model also produces specialized data for the energy sector, including solar irradiance and wind speeds at turbine height to assist grid operators.