Google DeepMind's WeatherNext AI Aids Historic Hurricane Melissa Prediction
In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as the most powerful hurricane to ever impact the island, sharing the title for the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) utilized Google DeepMind's AI model, WeatherNext, which had predicted the storm's Category 5 status from initial Category 1 wind speeds. This model forecasted landfall in Jamaica with an 80% confidence rate five days prior. WeatherNext, which analyzes decades of weather data through 50 different scenarios, was used by the NHC in conjunction with physics-based models and real-time information, allowing local authorities to effectively mobilize resources and manage evacuations. The NHC's 2025 report recognized WeatherNext as the leading model for both track and intensity. Google aims to enhance these capabilities in regions such as the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Key facts
- Hurricane Melissa was the strongest hurricane on record to land in Jamaica in October 2025.
- NHC predicted Category 5 intensity from Category 1 wind speed for the first time.
- WeatherNext predicted rapid intensification and landfall five days in advance with 80% confidence.
- WeatherNext is developed by Google DeepMind and Google Research.
- The model runs ensembles of 50 scenarios.
- NHC is the WMO's Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.
- WeatherNext was the top-performing individual model in the 2025 NHC annual verification report.
- Google is expanding WeatherNext to the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Entities
Institutions
- National Hurricane Center
- Google DeepMind
- Google Research
- World Meteorological Organization
- Meteorological Service Jamaica
- NOAA
- PAGASA
- CWA
- BMKG
- VNMHA
Locations
- Jamaica
- Atlantic
- Eastern Pacific
- Haiti
- Kingston
- Philippines
- Taiwan
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Japan
- Australia
- India