In response to the escalating challenges posed by torrential rains, floods, and droughts, the Indian government is intensifying efforts to bolster the nation's weather forecasting capabilities. According to a recent report, the government is actively experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) to construct more robust climate models that can effectively address the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. India, grappling with heightened clashes of weather systems induced by global warming, has witnessed the grim consequences of these events. The Centre for Science and Environment reported that nearly 3,000 lives have been claimed by extreme weather events this year alone. Against this backdrop, weather agencies worldwide are turning to AI as a key tool to not only reduce costs but also enhance the speed and accuracy of predictions.

With the backing of recent Google-funded models surpassing conventional methods, the UK's Met Office acknowledges AI's potential to revolutionize weather forecasting. For India, accurate weather predictions are crucial, given its status as the world's second-largest producer of essential crops such as rice, wheat, and sugar. The majority of the country's 1.4 billion people, many of whom are impoverished, depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), currently relying on mathematical models and supercomputers for forecasts, is now exploring the integration of AI. K.S. Hosalikar, the head of climate research and services at IMD, highlighted that AI, coupled with an expanded observation network, could generate higher-quality forecast data at a lower cost. The department envisions AI-based climate models and advisories to significantly enhance forecast accuracy.

AI has already been employed by the IMD to issue public alerts related to heatwaves and diseases like malaria. Plans are underway to expand the network of weather observatories, reaching down to grassroots levels, to provide more comprehensive and higher-resolution data for forecasts. Additionally, the government aims to integrate AI into traditional weather models and has established a dedicated center for testing and refining this approach through workshops and conferences. Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of AI models compared to running supercomputers. Experts also underscored the need for better data to fully leverage the capabilities of AI in advancing weather forecasting—a critical endeavor for a nation with a significant agricultural economy and a vulnerable population.