3 weeks ago
Google DeepMind WeatherNext AI Predicts Hurricane Days Early
Google made a super-smart computer program called WeatherNext that helps predict the weather.
It uses artificial intelligence and learns from lots of old weather data from around the world.
One of the hardest jobs in weather forecasting is knowing when a hurricane will suddenly become much stronger.
WeatherNext figured out that a storm called Hurricane Melissa was going to become super strong.
It warned people five days early that the storm would hit the island of Jamaica.
That gave people extra time to pack up and get somewhere safe.
The model can create many different 'what-if' stories about what a storm might do next.
One report says it can make up to 1,000 of these stories, while another says it makes 50.
WeatherNext helps human weather experts make better decisions; it does not replace them.
Google also plans to share the technology so scientists worldwide can study and improve it.
Google DeepMind's WeatherNext AI model predicted Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification into a Category 5 hurricane and its Jamaica landfall five days in advance.
Forecast confidence stood at 80% five days before impact and rose to nearly 100% three days before the storm struck.
The prediction marked the first time an AI weather model identified a Category 5 hurricane from such a weak initial tropical depression.
WeatherNext was named one of the top-performing individual models in the NHC's 2025 Hurricane Season Annual Verification Report.
WIRED reported WeatherNext gives forecasters about one extra day of warning and can generate up to 1,000 scenarios, while Google said the model creates 50 'what-if' scenarios.
- Who
- Google DeepMind and Google Research, whose WeatherNext AI model supported forecasters at the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
- What
- WeatherNext accurately predicted Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification into a Category 5 hurricane and its landfall in Jamaica five days in advance.
- Where
- Jamaica in the Caribbean, with forecasts supported by the US National Hurricane Center.
- When
- During the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season; the storm struck late in the season.
- Why
- To give authorities and residents significantly more time to prepare for a dangerous storm and reduce the human and economic impact of natural disasters.
Key facts
- AI model
- WeatherNext
- Developer
- Google DeepMind and Google Research, under Google's Earth AI initiative
- Forecast lead time
- 5 days in advance at 80% confidence; nearly 100% three days before impact
- Storm
- Hurricane Melissa, Category 5
- Predicted landfall
- Jamaica
- Rapid intensification
- Sustained wind speeds increasing by at least 35 mph within 24 hours
- What-if scenarios
- 50 per Google; up to 1,000 per WIRED
- Recognition
- Top-performing individual model in the NHC's 2025 Hurricane Season Annual Verification Report
Sources
Related news
India operationalises three AI-based weather models for accurate forecasts
Tropical Storm Karina May Threaten Southern California as Models Shift
AI Weather Forecasts Save Telangana Farmers USD 560: World Bank
Atlantic’s Next Tropical Storm Will Be Named Dolly
AI Founders Leave Bezos-Backed Prometheus to Model Physics
Lord’s Mark and ARKALL Plan Healthcare Expansion Across Caribbean
World’s Oceans Reach Record Heat as El Niño Intensifies
Beautiful Snails Face Threats From Collectors and Mining
UN Warns Strong El Niño Could Push Millions into Hunger
