Google Launches Cyclone Prediction Website with the Help of AI

Google DeepMind (GOOGL) and Google Research have teamed up with the U.S. National Hurricane Center to launch a new interactive website called Weather Lab, which is designed to improve tropical cyclone forecasts. The platform uses Google’s latest AI models and includes an experimental tropical cyclone model based on stochastic neural networks. As a result, the model can predict cyclone formation, track, intensity, size, and shape, while offering 50 possible scenarios up to 15 days in advance. Interestingly, Google says that its AI predictions are often more accurate than current physics-based methods, and that the website allows users to compare AI and traditional forecasts.

The launch is well-timed as hurricane season began on June 1 and runs through November 30, with multiple forecasts predicting an active year. In fact, Colorado State University expects 17 named storms and four major hurricanes this season due to warm Atlantic waters and neutral El Niño conditions that could fuel storm formation. Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, with 13 to 19 named storms and three to five major hurricanes of category 3 or higher.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is proposing a $1.3 billion cut to NOAA’s budget, which could impact key functions like climate research and weather forecasting. The proposed budget criticizes NOAA’s climate-related programs by claiming that they promote environmental alarmism. However, experts warn that these cuts could impact essential NOAA capabilities, such as ocean monitoring and coastal planning, especially in a year when accurate hurricane forecasts will be critical.

Is Google Stock a Good Buy?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on GOOGL stock based on 29 Buys and nine Holds assigned in the past three months. Furthermore, the average GOOGL price target of $199.11 per share implies 13% upside potential from current levels.

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