For the first time, the National Weather Service is testing artificial intelligence models as part of its storm forecasting tools during hurricane season.

NOAA officials say the AI models will supplement existing systems to help meteorologists better predict storm paths and intensities. Wallace Hogsett, a science and operations officer with NOAA, said this marks a key shift in forecasting.

“We were looking at [AI models] a little last year, but this is the first year they’ll be a part of the suite of models we’re using,” Hogsett told FOX 13.

Unlike traditional models that rely on solving complex equations and require heavy computing power, AI models analyze decades of multidimensional data to quickly detect patterns and generate forecasts. Hogsett said the goal is to improve accuracy in both storm tracking and intensity predictions.

“We’re hoping these models will help continue the trend of lower errors,” he said, “which gives people a clearer understanding of the risks they face.”

FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto says AI holds promise, but it’s not a replacement for human judgment — at least not yet.

“We look at this model, that model, and now the AI models,” Dellegatto said. “It’s just another tool in the toolbox. AI is probably the future, but we’re not there yet.”

If the new models prove effective, NOAA says they could become a permanent part of hurricane forecasting in the years ahead.

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