AIFS is also noted for its energy efficiency, using approximately 1,000 times less computing energy than traditional simulations, which could reduce supercomputing emissions and costs. ECMWF Director-General Florence Rabier described AIFS as a "milestone" that will make high-quality forecasts freely available, potentially improving disaster preparedness and renewable energy planning. The system is seen as complementary to existing models, providing a range of forecasting products to meet diverse user needs. ECMWF emphasizes collaboration with 35 nations to advance weather science and improve global predictions.
Key takeaways:
- The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has launched the Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS), claiming it outperforms existing models by up to 20% in some measures.
- AIFS is the first fully operational open machine learning forecasting model, predicting hurricane tracks 12 hours further ahead than other models.
- ECMWF claims AIFS uses approximately 1,000 times less computing energy than physics-based simulations, making it more efficient and faster.
- AIFS runs alongside existing models, using historical data to evaluate real-time conditions, and is seen as complementary to traditional physics-based models.