AI models are really good at forecasting the weather — and scientists aren't sure why

Let’s say you’re planning an outdoor picnic two weeks from now. In the time leading up to it, you might be watching that weather forecast like a hawk. You’re wondering whether it’s going to rain, or be cloudy, or be 100 degrees so that you can plan ahead — or even reschedule. Unfortunately, the accuracy of that weather forecast can only go so high, especially if you’re looking at the tail-end of a 10-day outlook.

However, new AI models might have something to say about that.

Tim Fernholz wrote for Bloomberg about how AI modeling is changing the game for weather forecasting. He joined “Marketplace” host Amy Scott to talk about how these new models compare to the contemporary forecasting methods we’re accustomed to, and how much better they might get.

Click the play button above to hear their conversation.