Google’s ‘Nowcasting’ uses AI for weather forecasting in Africa

Google said its “Nowcasting” on Search initiative is significant for Africa, where traditional weather forecasting can be challenging due to limited infrastructure and data availability.

The Citizen first saw this during a December 2023 visit to Google’s research facilities in Accra, Ghana.

The search giant launched “Nowcasting” on Search this month, leveraging advanced AI to provide highly localized and immediate weather updates.

Accurate forecasts

This addresses a critical need for accurate and timely information in regions often impacted by unpredictable weather patterns.

Google’s nowcasting uses satellite imagery and AI to deliver real-time, minute-by-minute predictions, offering users vital information to make informed decisions about their daily activities and safety.

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Using AI

The company said it has been working on AI-powered nowcasting for years, helping users to understand exactly when and where they should expect rain over the next few hours.

“These short-term precipitation forecasts are being made available across Africa for the first time. The forecasts are made possible through advancements in Google Research’s AI-powered nowcasting model MetNet, which uses satellite data and ground observations to produce state-of-the-art precipitation forecasts in data-sparse regions of the world.

“Google’s technology can predict global precipitation with high accuracy within a 5km radius every 15 minutes for the next 12 hours — all under one minute,” it said.

Radar

One critical component for weather forecasts is dense ground radar, which is not available for the majority of the world where billions of people live.

Google said the need for new approaches and better weather forecasts is especially pronounced in Africa, where ground observations are limited and global weather models tend to exhibit low skill.

“For example, North America has 291 radar facilities to track weather, while Africa has 37. To scale nowcasting globally, our Research teams came up with an innovative new approach using globally available satellite observations in our nowcasting models.

“Using AI and satellite observations, the model was able to fill in the gaps, even in areas where radar was unavailable, overcoming previous limitations in data sparse regions,” Google said.

Availability

Nowcasting on Search is now live for users in Africa. The feature will display weather searches across the continent with more precision than before.

What’s next?

Google said it is engaging with local scientific communities to further evaluate and improve forecast accuracy globally.

“We’re also looking to launch the technology in additional regions with limited radar. Accurate weather forecasts are one example of how AI is helping to solve real-world challenges.

Google Research Africa, scientists and engineers in Accra and Nairobi are also working with local experts to develop solutions that address societal needs.

From improving weather predictions to projects like Open Buildings — which maps structures to support disaster response and urban planning — Google said these efforts reflect a commitment to applying AI in ways that make a meaningful difference.

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