Daily Arxiv

This is a page that curates AI-related papers published worldwide.
All content here is summarized using Google Gemini and operated on a non-profit basis.
Copyright for each paper belongs to the authors and their institutions; please make sure to credit the source when sharing.

Numerical models outperform AI weather forecasts of record-breaking extremes

Created by
  • Haebom

Author

Zhongwei Zhang, Erich Fischer, Jakob Zscheischler, Sebastian Engelke

Outline

This paper demonstrates that while AI-based weather forecasting models outperform conventional numerical weather forecasting systems, they still have limitations in predicting unprecedented extreme weather events. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts' High-Resolution Forecasting Model (HRES) consistently outperforms state-of-the-art AI models, including GraphCast, Pangu-Weather, and Fuxi, in predicting record-breaking extreme weather events. The AI models exhibit larger prediction errors for record-breaking heatwaves, cold waves, and strong winds than the HRES model, and their errors tend to increase with the number of record-breaking events. In particular, they tend to underestimate record-breaking heatwaves and overestimate record-breaking cold waves. Therefore, AI weather models have limitations in extrapolating beyond the training data domain and in predicting potentially impactful record-breaking weather events. More rigorous validation and development are needed before AI models can be used solely for high-risk applications such as early warning systems and disaster management.

Takeaways, Limitations

Takeaways: While AI weather forecasting models excel, they fall short of existing numerical weather forecasting models in predicting extreme weather events. This highlights the importance of predicting record-breaking extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Limitations: AI models tend to underestimate or overestimate the frequency and intensity of record-breaking extreme weather events (especially heat and cold waves). AI models lack the ability to extrapolate beyond their training data. This raises the risk of using AI models alone in high-risk situations. More rigorous validation and model development are needed.
👍