The future of weather forecasting

Context: Increasing unpredictability in global weather conditions requires technological advancement in precise weather monitoring systems.

Technological advancements are necessitated by

• Impact on food security and distastes management
• Unpredictable global and micro weather patterns.
• Crop health, crop yield, pest/diseases can be predicated using remote sensing parameters based on geographical location.

Current state of Weather Monitoring:

• Precipitation Nowcasting: Google researchers in early 2020 claimed to have been able to predict the weather just 6 hours in advance using Artificial intelligence (AI).

• SkyMet in India: have been working on various technology models to predict the weather:

• Hyperlocal weather predictions in Mumbai.
• Automate Weathering Stations (AWS): Automatically captures and reports data to the central system at 30-60 minute intervals.
• Use of machine learning: to process the data and customize it for banks, farmers, and governments.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence: for cloud detection and movement.
• Algorithmic scanning of high resolution satellite images: to derive plant count and analyzed through Computer Vision or machine learning.

Way Forward:

• Intensify the use of technology: like Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, to derive precision in weather modeling through improved connectivity for real-time prediction.
• Allowing access to government supercomputing facilities in improving predictions.
• Encourage private players, defence, and space organisations to work in unison.
• Ensure freely available meteorological data