Technology enhanced weather forecasting accuracy and reduced disaster risks in 2024, report finds

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and satellite technology, along with deeper international cooperation, accelerated development across the global meteorological sector in 2024, boosting forecasting accuracy and reducing disaster risks worldwide, according to a report released on Tuesday by the China Meteorological Administration.

The Report on Global Meteorological Development 2025 reviewed trends from 2024 and found that national meteorological and hydrological services worldwide launched initiatives to upgrade operational systems, expand computing capacity and apply AI-driven technologies.

International cooperation and collaboration with enterprises deepened, while satellite and radar technologies continued to evolve rapidly, the report said.

Driven by the United Nations'Early Warnings for All initiative, global multihazard early warning systems proved effective in significantly reducing losses. The development of Digital Twin Earth — digital representations of the Earth system used to improve monitoring and forecasting — injected new momentum into enhancing meteorological service capabilities, it said.

"Despite different development paths, the shared goal of meteorologists worldwide is more precise observation, more accurate forecasting and more refined services," said Li Lijun, head of the CMA Institute for Development and Programme Design.

According to the report, Digital Twin Earth, AI-based weather prediction models, early warning systems for all, climate and financial meteorology, commercial small satellites and unmanned aerial vehicle observations emerged as key buzzwords in global meteorology in 2024.

International cooperation on meteorological satellites expanded, with more commercial small-satellite data integrated into operational forecasting. Mobile observation platforms, such as drones, also moved closer to routine operational use.

Weather forecasting systems showed a growing trend of combining physical models with data-driven approaches. End-to-end AI forecasting frameworks began to demonstrate potential, while warnings for extreme weather increasingly extended beyond hazards themselves to include impact forecasts and risk assessments, the report said.

Meteorological services also broadened beyond traditional weather forecasting to cover climate prediction, environmental monitoring and disaster early warning, reflecting a growing focus on using AI to deliver more precise and real-time information.

As an emerging field, financial meteorology advanced the development of weather-related financial services. Tools such as weather insurance and other risk-management instruments played an increasingly crucial role in addressing uncertainties caused by weather and climate change.

The report also underscored China's contribution to global meteorological development.

The CMA has promoted modernization in meteorological science, technology and public services, aiming to build a modern system featuring precise monitoring and accurate forecasting, Li said.

China's national meteorological high-quality development index rose 18.35 percent in 2024 compared with 2020, according to the report.

The administration has built cloud-based early warning systems with counterparts in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

"China shared its AI-powered early warning approach with the global community and hosted major international events, including a meteorology forum during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference," Li said.

zhaoyimeng@chinadaily.com.cn