AI can predict if it will rain in two hours' time

Traditional methods use complex equations and often forecast for only between six hours and two weeks' time to tell whether it is going to rain.

Climate change is making it harder to anticipate adverse weather conditions, as the frequency and severity of heavy rain increases,

researchers believe it will lead to both significant material damage and death.

The AI system can make more accurate short-term predictions, including for critical storms and floods.

The system learned how to identify common patterns of rainfall, was tested on maps from 2019 and found, by 50 Met Office meteorologists, to be accurate in 89% of cases.

AI could be a powerful tool, enabling forecasters to spend less time trawling through ever growing piles of prediction data and instead focus on better understanding the implications of their forecasts.

This will be integral for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change today, supporting adaptation to changing weather patterns and potentially saving lives.