Accurate weather forecasting is especially important in India, home to 1.4 billion people and the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) currently uses mathematical models and supercomputers for forecasts, but believes that incorporating AI and expanding the observation network could generate higher-quality data at a lower cost. The department is developing AI-based climate models and advisories to improve forecasts, according to K.S. Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD.
Key takeaways:
- India is testing AI to improve weather forecasting and build climate models, in response to an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and torrential rains.
- Global warming has intensified weather system clashes in India, leading to more extreme weather events that have killed nearly 3,000 people this year, according to the Centre for Science and Environment.
- Weather agencies worldwide are focusing on AI for its potential to reduce costs and improve speed in weather forecasting. A recent Google-funded model has shown better performance than traditional methods.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is developing AI-based climate models and advisories, expecting them to enhance forecasts. The use of AI with an expanded observation network could generate higher-quality forecast data at a lower cost.