Google DeepMind Unveils WeatherNext 2 — A Major Leap in AI Weather Forecasting

Google’s DeepMind has announced the latest version of its advanced weather-prediction model, WeatherNext 2, an upgraded AI system that promises more accurate global forecasts, higher-resolution details, and significantly faster data processing.

According to the company, the new model can deliver weather predictions extending up to two weeks, including temperature, pressure, and wind measurements, with improved capabilities in tracking tropical storm paths.

Notably, the accuracy of cyclone-path prediction has increased to three days before landfall, compared to just two days in the previous version.

Hourly Updates and Eight-Times Faster Performance

WeatherNext 2 produces forecasts updated every hour. Google states that the model is now eight times faster than its first-generation version.

This speed improvement comes from adopting a new modeling approach:

Unlike image and video generation models that rely on repetitive processing steps, WeatherNext 2 uses a single-step processing method, reducing the need for expensive computational systems.

DeepMind highlights that this advancement allows the model to deliver more detailed forecasts, helping various sectors make more precise decisions and strengthen their resilience to changing weather patterns.

Google Acknowledges Ongoing Challenges

Despite the improvements, the company admits that challenges remain—particularly in forecasting anomalous rain or snow, due to gaps in training data.

DeepMind researcher Ferran Alet confirmed that the team is actively working to address these limitations.

The field of AI-based weather forecasting is becoming increasingly competitive, with several companies racing to develop similar models.

Meteorological experts believe advanced AI models like WeatherNext 2 will enhance the performance of forecasting centers worldwide, especially in regions with limited data or weak monitoring infrastructure.

High Accuracy Means Fewer Weather-Related Losses

More precise and frequent forecasts are expected to reduce losses from severe weather events across sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and emergency management.

Reports also suggest that improved short-interval forecasts will strengthen operational planning for companies—especially those in energy, maritime transport, and supply-chain management.