Microsoft has a new machine learning tool to improve weather forecasts

Old-school physics-based weather forecasting and even new AI models typically become less reliable beyond two weeks, a problem Microsoft claims to have solved using machine learning.

Researchers with the company say they’ve found a new, cost-effective way to make more accurate weather forecasts two to six weeks in advance — allowing farmers and emergency responders to plan ahead with greater certainty. The findings were published today in the journal Nature, and the tool is now open-source software.

Microsoft joins Google, Nvidia, and other companies developing AI tools for weather forecasting. Instead of creating a new standalone weather model, Microsoft’s latest research in this realm uses machine learning to correct bias in existing models. It’s a more accessible way for resource-strapped weather agencies to improve accuracy using AI, the researchers hope.