Google’s WeatherNext 3 forecasts global weather hourly from live observations
Google DeepMind and Google Research released WeatherNext 3, an operational forecasting model that directly ingests hourly geostationary-satellite mosaics and sparse station observations. It produces 15-day probabilistic forecasts, resolving some surface variables at roughly 5 kilometers—five times finer than WeatherNext 2—and Google reports precipitation-score improvements of up to 60% against satellite observations; Brightband’s independent live benchmark currently ranks it ahead of competing AI and physics-based systems. Forecast data is already being distributed through Google’s geospatial and cloud platforms.
Why it made the cut: This moves global AI weather forecasting beyond delayed numerical-model inputs toward continuously observation-grounded prediction, while materially improving spatial and temporal resolution. The combination of independent operational evaluation, live deployment, and direct access for researchers and builders makes it more than a lab-only benchmark result.
Paper (PDF) · Official announcement · Forecast data and developer access · Independent coverage (TechCrunch)
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