Google Open-Sources WeatherNext 2 After 10-Year Leap in Cyclone Forecasting

3 articles · Updated · The Keyword | Google Product and Technology News · Aug 6

WeatherNext 2 reached state-of-the-art accuracy in predicting cyclone track, intensity and wind structure, according to a Nature paper from Google researchers.
Google said the model delivers roughly a decade of meteorological progress in one system, tackling a longstanding forecasting problem where each hour of warning can shape evacuations and emergency planning.
The company is now open-sourcing WeatherNext 2 to the global research community, framing the release as a tool to strengthen climate resilience worldwide.
Earlier reporting said the model can give forecasters about one extra day of warning and correctly projected Hurricane Melissa as a Category 5 storm five days ahead.

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WeatherNext’s 5-Day Category 5 Prediction: Inside the AI Breakthrough That Changed Hurricane Forecasting During Jamaica’s 2025 Crisis

Overview

In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a record-breaking Category 5 storm, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands. For the first time, the National Hurricane Center accurately predicted this rapid intensification thanks to Google DeepMind’s WeatherNext AI, which was trained on vast global weather data. Early warnings enabled Jamaican authorities to start evacuations and preparations days ahead, saving many lives. Despite these efforts, the storm left much of the island without power and communication. The success of WeatherNext highlights how advanced AI, when combined with human expertise and early action, can transform disaster response and resilience.

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