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5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Could AI cost me my job as a weather forecaster?
Weather forecasts play a huge role in our daily lives. They help us to decide how we get to work, if we need an umbrella and when to hang out the washing. For industries like farming, shipping, aviation and renewable energy, accurate forecasts are essential. I've been presenting the weather on the BBC for nearly 30 years. Over that time, I've witnessed how our changing climate is bringing more extreme and intense weather events. It is so important to keep improving the way we predict the weather, and scientists are exploring how AI could make forecasting more accurate, efficient, and faster than ever before. In some countries, broadcasters have even begun to experiment with AI-generated weather presenters. But does all this mean that forecasters like me could soon be out of a job? The people who think AI might become conscious UK weather forecast more accurate with Met Office supercomputer Traditionally, weather forecasting relies on complex numerical weather prediction models which require vast amounts of data and supercomputers - like the ones used by the Met Office. But the Met Office is now working with experts from the Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national centre for data science and AI, to build a new global forecasting system powered by AI. One of their models, called FastNet, uses machine learning to improve prediction capabilities. Prof Kirstine Dale, Chief AI Officer at the Met Office, said it had the potential to revolutionise forecasting. "AI is phenomenally fast - not just a bit faster, but tens of thousands of times faster," she told me. "That means it can produce up to date forecasts with a fraction of the computational cost and carbon dioxide." She said AI could also produce "hyper-localised" forecasts, "potentially offering more up to date forecasts tailored to your postcode". Forecasts driven by AI could also help to mitigate against the impacts of storms, floods and heatwaves by providing earlier and more accurate warnings of severe weather. But there are challenges - especially in predicting rare or extreme weather events. "The past is no longer a reliable indicator of the future," said Prof Dale. "So we need traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to explore how the climate may change and generate recalibrated datasets. "These recalibrated datasets of future climates can be used to train AI-based models. "AI-based models simply aren't aware of the physics - and changing physics - of the atmosphere, so NWP will likely continue to play a vital role in forecasting extreme events, as well as adding a layer of validation to AI forecasting outputs." Dr Scott Hosking, Mission Director for Environmental Forecasting at the Turing Institute, said that once trained, AI models were cheaper and quicker to run than traditional forecasting systems. "AI has surprised us in a number of ways," said Dr Hosking. "One of them is how well it predicts the tracks of cyclones and hurricanes. AI is always learning what it has seen in the past." But he said AI still had some way to go in certain areas, including in its ability to forecast high-intensity rainfall - the kind that often leads to flash flooding. AI could also play a key role in space weather forecasting, helping to predict solar storms more accurately and efficiently. These storms, caused by solar activity, are best known for producing the aurora borealis - the Northern Lights - which have been seen in Wales several times recently. But space weather can be hazardous too, affecting Earth's magnetic field and potentially disrupting communication systems and infrastructure. Dr Huw Morgan, Head of Solar System Physics at Aberystwyth University, led a project to enhance the Met Office's space weather forecasting. Speaking from the university's AI Hub, he told me AI could offer a vital role. "It's a very complicated system to try to model. Forecasts exist but they have many weaknesses because space weather is so complex," Dr Morgan said. "And unlike on Earth, we can't put recording stations on the Sun or between the Sun and Earth. "We are really dependent on remote data from telescopes. "So AI offers a good solution, because we can't monitor the whole system constantly, and we cannot really build models that are appropriate for the system yet." However, Dr Morgan acknowledges AI has its challenges and scientists will continue to rely on traditional space weather forecasting techniques for now. So what about AI-generated weather presenters? Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern is not so sure. "It's important for people to have presenters they trust," he told me. "No one wants an AI version of Derek. "They want the real Derek - someone who can take all the data and explain it in a way that makes sense." Aidan is optimistic about what the future holds for forecasting. "When I started this job 18 years ago, we couldn't really predict beyond four or five days. "Now we're giving outlooks 10 or even 14 days ahead. "We may not be able to give specific details that far out but we can already offer a sense of whether it'll be warm or cold, wet or dry - and highlight big changes on the way. "And with AI, the potential only grows. "Just imagine - in the near future, we might be able to talk about a month's worth of weather at once, and visualise it in a way that really connects with the public. "That's hugely exciting." The potential for AI in weather prediction is immense, but AI won't replace traditional forecasting methods entirely. It's more likely to work alongside them and be another tool for meteorologists like me to use. For now, at least, I think my job is safe. Hopefully the real Derek will continue to say "hello, shwmae" for a long while yet. A day in the life of a weather forecaster Can AI therapists really be an alternative to human help? BBC presenter on why cold weather makes his body hurt
North Wales Live
17-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Relief as men missing in North Wales found safe and well
Two missing men called Edward have been found within 24 hours of eachother. One, declared missing in the Prestatyn area, was located on Friday, May 16. The other, a 39-year-old man, had been missing in the Denbighshire area for 11 days. North Wales Police (NWP) this morning confirmed that he too had been found and was safe and well. Multi-agency searches were launched for 39-year-old Edward when his white Ford Fiesta was found in Llanbedr DC on Monday (May 12). He was last seen having left the Premier Stores in Denbigh on Friday, May 9, at 10.45am. Police began focusing on the Moel Famau and the Clwydian Range areas of Denbighshire. Pleading for his safe return, his worried family issued a statement asking people to keep their eyes peeled. They said he usually carries a backpack when exploring and may have taken his mountain bike and possibly a tent. NWP Chief Insp Caroline Mullen-Hurst confirmed that Edward, from the Denbigh area, was located this morning (Saturday, May 17). She added: 'I would like to thank all the agencies and members of the public that have assisted in the search for Edwards over the past week.' News that he had been found brought widespread relief within the wider community. 'Glad he is back with his loved ones safe and well,' said one woman online. 'The relief his family/loved ones must be feeling right now. Well done to everyone who took part in the ongoing search day and night over the past week.' Police also thanked the public for their help in finding the other Edward, an older man from the Prestatyn area.
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police warn dog owners 'you'll pay ultimate price' as video shows savage attack near popular beach
Police warn dog owners 'you'll pay ultimate price' as video shows savage attack near popular beach The distressing video has been shared by police to highlight a growing issue A distressing video showing two dogs savaging a lamb has been shared by police to expose the grim reality of livestock attacks. The bloodied dogs fled when approached, tragically leaving the lamb to die. The spaniels were being walked on Dinas Dinlle beach close to Caernarfon, but they managed to break free and began harassing sheep near Caernarfon Airport. A farmer from a neighbouring farm captured the attack on his quad bike as the lamb lay motionless amidst scattered clumps of wool. The farmer attempted to secure the dogs with a makeshift lead, but they ran off. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Despite approaching slowly, in an attempt to put the dogs on a lead, the farmer was unable to catch them (Image: NWP/Farmer ) North Wales Police (NWP) condemned dog attacks on livestock as "wholly unacceptable" due to negligent owners, reports North Wales Live. Online viewers of the footage also expressed little compassion for the owners of the dogs. One business owner commented: "Should have driven straight over them," Displaying her distress with an "enraged face" emoji, a Pwllheli resident declared: "Need to be shot!" Article continues below While farmers are allowed to defend their flocks and can lawfully shoot a dog that's putting their sheep at risk, the action must be justified and only if the dog is an imminent threat. If the dog can be controlled, shooting it is not legally warranted. The spaniels broke free and began harassing sheep (Image: NWP/Farmer ) Despite the emotional toll of such assaults and the loss of livestock, numerous farmers hesitate before resorting to a firearm. But PCSO Rhys Evans, of the NWP Rural Crime Team, warned dog owners that such incidents could occur. He said: "A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening. You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal." The Good Samaritan farmer alerted the lamb's owner, Dafydd Jones, who expressed his gratitude to the authorities. Speaking to police, he said, "The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from FUW (Farmers Union of Wales)." This incident took place on Wednesday, April 23, around 1pm. Online, a local resident from Waenfawr commented: "Just goes to show any breed or type of dog has the hunter/predator gene - 'furbaby' or not!!" PCSO Evans advised that owners of dogs that escape in rural areas should contact the police as soon as possible so they can alert local farmers and landowners. In rural settings, dogs should always be kept on a lead and under control. He stressed that when left at home alone, the house or garden must be secure to prevent escapes, which is often a common cause of livestock attacks. Article continues below He also highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership in addressing these problems, emphasizing that livestock harassment, including dogs running after animals and attacks, is a crime. He added: "They are extremely distressing, not only for the animals but also for their keepers. The costs, both financially and emotionally, are unacceptable."
North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Horror near 'Sunset beach' of blood-covered 'furbabies' launching attack
A video clip of two Spaniels mauling a young lamb has been released by police to highlight the true horror of livestock attacks. The dogs – their mouths covered in blood – ran off when approached, leaving the lamb to die. The incident happened next to a popular Gwynedd beach renowned for its glorious sunsets. The dogs were being walked along Dinas Dinlle beach near Caernarfon when they escaped into fields near Caernarfon Airport and began chasing sheep. A neighbouring farmer in the area at the time filmed the attack from his quad bike as the lamb lay prone among tufts of wool on the grass. When he tried to put the dogs on a makeshift lead, they ran off. North Wales Police (NWP) said livestock worrying due to irresponsible dog ownership was 'wholly unacceptable'. Neither was there much sympathy for the dogs' owners from people who watched the video online. "Should have driven straight over them,' said a businessman. Using an 'enraged face' emoji, a Pwllheli woman added: 'Need to be shot!' Farmers are permitted to protect their livestock and, as a last resort, this can include shooting a dog caught worrying their sheep. However the response must be proportionate - the dog must pose an immediate threat. If it can be brought under control, shooting is not legally justified. Despite the stress of witnessing attacks and losing animals, many farmers are reluctant to reach for a gun. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now But PCSO Rhys Evans, of the NWP Rural Crime Team, warned dog owners it could happen. 'A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening,' he said. 'You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal." The Good Samaritan farmer alerted the lamb's owner, Dafydd Jones. Speaking to police, he said: 'The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from FUW (Farmers Union of Wales).' The incident happened around 1pm on Wednesday, April 23. Online, a woman from Waenfawr said: "Just goes to show any breed or type of dog has the hunter/predator gene - 'furbaby' or not!!" PCSO Rhys Evans said owners of dogs that escape in rural areas, should contact the police as soon as possible so they can alert local farmers and landowners. In the countryside, dogs should always be kept on a lead and under control, he said. If left at home alone, the house or garden must be secure to prevent escapes – this is often the most common cause of livestock attacks. He added: 'Responsible dog ownership is key in tackling these awful incidents, which are far too common. Livestock worrying is a crime, and can include dogs running after animals, as well as attacks. 'They are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers too. The costs, both financially and emotionally are wholly unacceptable.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Wales Online
Everything we know about the disappearance of 'vulnerable' teen last seen on Welsh beach
Everything we know about the disappearance of 'vulnerable' teen last seen on Welsh beach This is everything we know about his disappearance Searches are ongoing for 'vulnerable' teenager Athrun (Image: NWP/Family ) A 16-year-old from Gloucestershire has been missing after disappearing on a family holiday to Llandudno in North Wales. Athrun was last seen on Saturday last seen at 2pm on Saturday at West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy county, wearing swim shorts, close to the boating lake and playpark. Athrun has been labelled by police and his family as a vulnerable person due to him having autism, and concern is growing for his welfare. The teen is described as having short dark hair and is approximately 6ft tall and of slim build. He was last seen wearing blue and white patterned swim shorts and police have said one of his identifiable features is how he walks with an "unusual gait." "Extensive" land, air and water searches by specialists from several agencies are ongoing, including HM Coastguard, North Wales Police, RNLI, and special investigators. On Monday the search focus moved to the water. PCSOs patrol Llandudno's West Shore beach (Image: David Powell/North Wales Live ) PCSO's have also been patrolling the coast of Llandudno, hoping to speak to any potential witnesses. Article continues below This is the most recent update from North Wales Police. A spokesperson for the force said: "The search for a vulnerable boy missing from Llandudno has entered its fourth day. "Sixteen-year-old Athrun, who was on holiday from the South Gloucestershire area, was last seen on the beach at West Shore at 2pm on Saturday, May 10th. "Searches will continue today (Tuesday, May 13th) involving the Joint Underwater Search Team with high-visibility patrols by North Wales Police." Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan of North Wales Police wanted to thank all those who have contacted them with information so far. He said: 'We really do appreciate everyone's help and support – from the rescue services who are tirelessly looking for Athrun to local businesses who are offering refreshments to the rescue teams. 'Searches have resumed today to try and locate Athrun, and we continue to appeal to anybody who may have been in the West Shore area of Llandudno on Saturday afternoon to come forward if they haven't already done so – and are still keen on speaking to anybody who may have dash cam footage or who may have taken photographs – this may have been a selfie or family photographs - where they may have captured Athrun and his family in the background.' Anybody with information is asked to contact North Wales Police via the live chat facility on the website or by calling 101, quoting incident number C067064. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale said on Monday that significant areas of Llandudno have already been searched, and these searches will continue until Athrun is found. Emergency services have thanked the local community for their patience and assistance as they continue to search for the missing teen. Article continues below The public are being urged to check any photos they had taken within the area that day for any signs of Athrun or his family in the background. Anyone with information that could help find Athrun can contact police via their website or by calling 101, requesting North Wales Police force.
