AI technology takes centre stage at UAE weather summit
Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level weather summit where experts discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform weather forecasting and even optimise cloud seeding operations. The event, themed AI for Weather Prediction: Advances, Challenges & Future Outlook, gathered leading meteorologists, climate scientists, and technology experts to examine the opportunities and limitations of AI in climate science.
Monica Youngman of the US National Weather Service highlighted the importance of carefully tailoring datasets to specific use cases. “AI models exist at global, regional, and local scales. Foundational models can be fine-tuned, but they must be used correctly,” she told Khaleej Times.
Youngman added that AI is most effective for medium-term forecasts, particularly within a three-to-seven-day range. “AI models struggle further out because they aren’t based in physics. For very short-term forecasting, like nowcasting, physics-based models still remain very strong,” she noted.
Analysing real-time data with AI
A key session focused on AI-enabled Earth system prediction, which integrates diverse datasets such as satellite imagery, IoT devices, geospatial information, and field observations. These tools allow meteorologists to analyse weather data in real time, helping determine the most effective times and locations for cloud seeding.
Omar Al Yazeedi, deputy director general of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), explained: “The life span of clouds is very short, so if you have multiple clouds, AI can help forecasters choose the optimum locations by identifying certain parameters. Currently, operations are manual, but with AI, operators can be guided to make faster and more accurate decisions.”
Limitations and opportunities
While AI offers significant promise, experts cautioned that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ian Lisk, Chair of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Services Commission, pointed out that both traditional and AI-based models face challenges with phenomena such as thunderstorms. “One key challenge is the training data, especially in a changing climate,” he said.
Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary General of WMO, stressed the need for global inclusivity in AI adoption. “Many members with basic capabilities are still far from using AI operationally. At WMO, we see it as our responsibility to ensure everyone benefits as AI advances,” she said.
The summit concluded that while AI cannot replace physics-based forecasting models, it represents a powerful tool to enhance accuracy and efficiency in weather prediction. For the UAE, which has long invested in cloud seeding technology, AI may mark a significant milestone in improving rainfall induction and addressing water security challenges.
