Expansion of Short-Term Precipitation Forecasts

Google has introduced new short-term precipitation forecasts in Search, now available across Africa. This development builds upon the company’s efforts to leverage machine learning in tackling the challenge of predicting the next few hours of rainfall.

Advancements in Forecasting Technology

The availability of these forecasts is attributed to advancements in Google Research’s AI-powered nowcasting model, known as MetNet. This model utilizes satellite data and ground observations to generate state-of-the-art precipitation forecasts, particularly in regions with limited data. Google’s technology is capable of predicting global precipitation with high accuracy, covering a five-kilometer radius every 15 minutes for the next 12 hours, and delivering results in under one minute.

Further Information

For more information on this initiative in Africa and globally, visit the Google Africa blog to read about the latest developments in nowcasting on Search.