Google has announced the creation of an advanced AI tool named 'GenCast' that provides unprecedented 15-day weather forecasts, aimed at saving lives amid increasing climate disasters.
Developed by DeepMind, Google's AI research lab, GenCast outperforms the current European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model in over 97% of the 1,320 climate disasters recorded in 2019.
The tool generates forecasts in just eight minutes, a significant improvement compared to the hours required by existing models. It utilizes data on temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.
Google emphasized that more accurate predictions of extreme weather risks can help authorities protect more people, prevent significant property damage, and save costs.
Recent extreme weather events have highlighted the need for improved forecasting, as seen in Hawaii's wildfires and a sudden heatwave in Morocco that resulted in numerous fatalities.