# Google says its AI weather model is getting better

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/google-says-its-ai-weather-model-is-getting-better/
- Published: 2026-09-03T20:12:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-04T02:14:59+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/988921/weather-forecast-ai-model-google-satellite-update
- Topics: AI, Business, Companies, Software, Technology

## Key points

- Google's WeatherNext 3 AI model updates forecasts hourly using live satellite data
- Offers 5x sharper resolution and up to 50% more accurate rain forecasts
- Also predicts wind speeds to aid renewable energy planning

## Summary

Google has rolled out WeatherNext 3, an updated AI weather forecasting model that it says draws more heavily on live satellite observations rather than relying solely on historical data, allowing forecasts to update every hour instead of every six. The company describes the results as "unprecedentedly" sharp, particularly for predicting rain and snow from fast-moving weather systems, and says the approach helps close forecasting gaps in regions outside the US and Europe that have fewer ground-based rain gauges.

The model produces a global picture five times sharper than its predecessor, WeatherNext 2, visualising variables such as temperature and moisture at up to 5-kilometre resolution compared with the previous 25-kilometre grid, which Google says yields precipitation forecasts up to 50% more accurate a day or more ahead. WeatherNext 3 also forecasts wind speeds at turbine height to support renewable energy planning, and has already been integrated into Google Search, Maps and Gemini, alongside collaborations with agencies including the US National Hurricane Center. Google notes the AI model still trains on and works alongside traditional physics-based forecasting rather than replacing it.

## Coverage

- [The Verge: Google says its AI weather model is getting better](https://www.theverge.com/tech/988921/weather-forecast-ai-model-google-satellite-update)
- [Engadget: Google's new AI weather model uses live satellite data for higher-resolution forecasts](https://www.engadget.com/2250687/googles-new-ai-weather-model-uses-live-satellite-data-for-higher-resolution-forecasts/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.