NOAA debuts artificial intelligence models for hurricane season

Using AI in weather forecasting

Evyn Moon reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - The National Weather Service is testing artificial intelligence for the first time this hurricane season.

What we know:

NOAA officials say AI models will now join the suite of tools meteorologists use to track storm development and intensity.

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What they're saying:

Wallace Hogsett, a science and operations officer for NOAA, told FOX 13 this marks a pivotal year:

"We were looking at [AI models] a little last year, but this is the first year they will be a part of the suite of models that we're looking at."

He explained that traditional models involve solving complicated equations, and take a lot of computing power, so AI can help speed it up, and decrease errors.

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"AI models, on the other hand, are looking at 30, 40, 50 years of four-dimensional data and processing all of that information very quickly, recognizing patterns and producing a forecast," said Hogsett. "We're hoping that these models will help continue the trend of lower errors in both track and intensity forecasts, which will allow people to have a clearer picture of the risk that they and their families will be under."

FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto agrees AI is promising — but not a replacement:

"We look at this model, we look at that model, and now we look at AI models… it's simply another tool we use to forecast … I think AI is probably the future, but we’re not there yet."

What's next:

If forecasters find AI models reliable this season, NOAA says the tech could be permanently integrated into future forecasting operations.

The Source: This article is based on interviews conducted with National Weather Service scientists and FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto.

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