China unveils a new AI meteorological model

China launched a new artificial intelligence meteorological model, Fengyuan V1.0, on Friday, designed as an open-source platform to enhance AI weather forecasting capabilities and scientific research.

Cao Xiaozhong, deputy head of the China Meteorological Administration, described the launch as a milestone, marking the meteorological sector's ownership of an end-to-end scientific model base with its own intellectual property rights. This unified, large-scale AI system manages the entire scientific data pipeline.

Wang Yaqiang, chief scientist of the development team and a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, said that the model can generate global weather forecasts directly from observational data.

"The long-term goal is to develop Fengyuan into an open forecasting model driven by observations, incorporating multi-sphere coupling," Wang said at a news conference held in Xiong'an New Area, Hebei province.

The model's open nature is expected to consolidate research and development efforts, ultimately providing theoretical and technical support for operational forecasting after maturity tests, he added.

Cao noted that the Fengyuan model also aims to improve the detection of extreme weather, particularly short-term imminent weather events. The administration plans to develop vertical AI meteorological models for specific sectors, such as the low-altitude economy, energy supply, logistics, and health meteorology, to better support economic and social development.

Cao emphasized goals to expand international cooperation, promote the application of meteorological AI in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and strengthen collaboration among key AI innovation teams.

Fengyuan V1.0 was developed by several institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences and the Xiong'an Institute of Meteorological Artificial Intelligence.

At the launch ceremony, upgraded research results for other meteorological AI models, Fengqing, Fenglei, and Fengshun, were also released. The event included the inauguration of a joint laboratory for Earth System AI Forecasting between Fudan University in Shanghai and the Xiong'an Institute.