Marina Lyubimova
⬤ Google GOOGL unveiled WeatherNext 2, a next-generation AI weather forecasting model that's changing how predictions get made. The system ditches traditional physics-based supercomputers in favor of advanced AI, letting it churn out hundreds of potential weather scenarios in less than a minute. Google DeepMind says WeatherNext 2 beats the original version in both speed and accuracy, showing real progress in AI-driven weather tech.
⬤ WeatherNext 2 delivers forecasts up to 8x faster while supporting hourly resolution. From a single input, it can generate hundreds of different scenario variations, giving users better tools for assessing risk and uncertainty. The model outperforms the first WeatherNext across nearly every weather variable. A major upgrade is the Functional Generative Network, an AI approach that creates realistic, connected predictions that stay consistent across different regions and time periods.
⬤ WeatherNext 2 is already live on multiple Google platforms. It's integrated into Earth Engine and BigQuery, with early access available on Cloud Vertex AI. The model also powers enhanced weather features in Google Search, Gemini, Pixel Weather, and the Google Maps API, bringing improved forecasts straight to everyday Google services.
⬤ This matters because it shows how quickly AI is taking over areas that used to need massive supercomputers. By running on a single TPU while delivering faster, scenario-rich forecasts, WeatherNext 2 proves Google's AI infrastructure is getting more efficient and scalable. The wide integration across Google's cloud and consumer products shows that AI-enhanced weather intelligence is becoming crucial for data analysis, planning, and real-time decisions in global markets.
Marina Lyubimova
