Google launched WeatherNext 2 on 2025-11-18, a powerful weather forecasting model that delivers predictions eight times faster than its predecessor. The system generates four six-hour forecasts daily, with predictions available up to 15 days in advance.
Key Model Improvements
WeatherNext 2 builds on its earlier version by offering forecasts with up to one-hour resolution. This represents a significant upgrade, as it scientifically surpasses WeatherNext 1 on 99.9% of variables, including temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and more.
The new model utilizes a Functional Generative Network (FGN), an innovative architecture that injects noise to ensure realistic and interconnected forecasts. This is a notable shift from the previous Graph Neural Network and Conditional Diffusion methods.
Platform Integration
WeatherNext 2 is made available through Earth Engine, BigQuery, and Vertex AI via early access to developers and researchers. The revamped forecasts will also enhance Google's consumer products like Search, Gemini, the Pixel Weather app, and the Google Maps Platform Weather API.
- Google launched WeatherNext 2 on 2025-11-18, improving speed and precision.
- The model is eight times faster, with forecasts every hour.
- Available on Earth Engine, BigQuery, and Vertex AI.
- Integrated with Search, Gemini, Google Maps API, and Pixel Weather.
The upgraded capabilities of WeatherNext 2 mark a significant leap in meteorological prediction, enabling faster processing times and more detailed forecasts than traditional models. This advancement supports a wide range of applications, benefiting both consumer products and scientific research.
