Chinese researchers from the Shanghai Academy of Artificial Intelligence for Science (SAIS) at Fudan University have announced the creation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict weather conditions.
The AI model is adapted for subseasonal forecasts, demonstrating high accuracy for forecasts within a two-week window. The model, called FuXI-Subseasonal, can make weather forecasts over longer periods, with lead researcher Qi Yuan noting skill in 30-day forecasts.
Qi found that the motivations for proceeding with a generative AI model for weather forecasting revolve around the need to spot climate disaster warnings early enough. Using the model, the researchers say Chinese authorities will be able to identify climate crises ahead of time and take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage.
“Here, we introduce FuXi Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (FuXi-S2S), a machine learning-based subseasonal forecast model that provides up to 42-day global average daily forecasts covering 5 upper air atmospheric variables at 13 levels pressure and 11 surface variables,” reads a paper.
When compared to traditional numerical weather forecasts that rely on supercomputers, FuXI-Subseasonal stands apart on several metrics and is able to generate accurate forecasts on limited data.
“Climate disaster warning is another important value of this FuXi-Subseasonal model,” Qi said in an interview with the Global Times.
Developed in collaboration with China’s National Climate Center, the machine learning model is significantly faster than traditional weather forecasting models, with the report pegging operational speed at a “thousand-fold increase”. A longer forecast period and increased levels of accuracy could lead Chinese authorities to rely on local AI models for climate disaster prevention rather than North American and European offerings.
Already, domestically designed artificial intelligence models have shown promise in predicting climate disaster patterns in mainland China. In mid-2023, Chinese authorities confirmed that an early-stage artificial intelligence model developed by SAIS accurately predicted the movement and intensity of Typhoon Doksurik, providing sufficient data for relief and assistance efforts.
The rise of AI-based weather forecasting systems
As generative AI finds new use cases in several sectors, utilities continue to grow in meteorology, with several firms rolling out their offerings and combining them with other emerging technologies.
NASA and IBM (NASDAQ: IBM ) launched a core model specifically for severe weather models while Johns Hopkins teamed up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to unveil their Intelligent Weather Forecast Model.
Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL ) has commercially launched multiple weather forecasting systems since mid-2023, but among other nations, India appears to be the biggest adopter of the technology as it tries to mitigate a series of environmental disasters.
In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to function properly within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it must integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures the quality and ownership of data input – allowing it to retain data secure while also guaranteeing data immutability. Check out CoinGeek’s coverage in this emerging technology to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI.
Watch: Transformative AI applications are coming
width=”560″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”>
New to blockchain? Check out CoinGeek’s Blockchain for Beginners section, the latest resource guide to learn more about blockchain technology.