TomorrowNow Connects With Partners & Global Weathertech Innovators at #AMS2025

TomorrowNow was represented at #AMS2025 that was convened in the United States by the American Meteorological Society....

New Orleans, USA – TomorrowNow’s participation at the American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting (#AMS2025) was an incredible opportunity to connect with a gathering of leading scientists, policymakers, and innovators in the weather and climate space. 

We were represented by TomorrowNow Head of Product, Brian Miranda, who was part of this exciting event, where he shared our work to strengthen collaborations in ensuring that weather and climate science benefits the last mile, particularly in underserved regions of Africa.

The common consensus at  last year’s #AMS2024 was that as much as weather & climate change-related information needs to be scientifically accurate, partnership-driven systems approaches are needed to ensure that weather & climate solutions become useful globally.

The theme of this year’s event highlighted the role of cutting-edge science in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing our planet, from extreme weather events to long-term climate resilience. 

The global weather community came together to explore new ways to harness the latest advancements in meteorology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions to tackle climate change and create resilient communities.

Key Takeaways from #AMS2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations

As we engaged with thought leaders from across the world, several key trends and challenges emerged that are shaping the future of weather forecasting, climate resilience, and hydromet innovation:

  • The Value of Observations: What Matters Most?

The value of weather and climate observations will continue to grow as we advance forecasting models and better understand how these observations can be applied to real-world decision-making. 

However, there’s still much uncertainty about which types of observations will matter most beyond theoretical applications. 

As the data landscape expands, researchers and organizations are grappling with how to prioritize different sources of data and ensure they’re being used effectively to improve climate predictions.

  • AI vs. Physics-Based Forecasting: What’s Next?

There is growing recognition of the potential of AI-based forecasting in weather prediction, particularly in comparison to traditional physics-based methods. 

While physics-based models have been the cornerstone of weather forecasting for decades, AI is rapidly emerging as a powerful tool to enhance predictions, especially in scenarios where complex patterns and non-linear relationships exist. 

As AI systems are integrated with traditional methods, it will be exciting to see how these hybrid approaches evolve and improve forecasting accuracy.

  • Data Ingestion, Modelling and Reliability: Forecasts in Action

A major focus of the conference was on improving the skill of weather predictions, with an emphasis on how to predict high-impact events more accurately.

Data assimilation techniques are becoming increasingly important as we seek to improve forecast modeling. 

By integrating diverse data sources—ranging from satellite imagery to ground-based observations—forecast models can achieve higher levels of accuracy. 

However, the integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into forecasting workflows is still in its early stages. The challenge will be in making these models operational and ensuring they can be deployed reliably, particularly in underserved regions.

Importantly, as new platforms and technologies emerge, ensuring data flows seamlessly from source to application will be essential for operationalizing weather and climate forecasts on a global scale.

Looking Toward the Next Five Years: A Changing Skill Set

As the weather and climate space evolves, so too will the skills required to thrive in this field. In the next five years, we expect to see a shift in the skill sets needed by meteorologists, climate scientists, and data professionals. 

As machine learning, AI, and big data technologies become more prevalent, a new generation of interdisciplinary experts will be needed to bridge the gap between traditional meteorology and modern data-driven solutions.

While big tech and large institutions are often seen as the leaders in innovation, some of the most groundbreaking developments can come from unexpected places. 

Innovation in weather and climate science often emerges from smaller, less conventional players – the “side door” innovators who challenge traditional assumptions and find new ways to solve old problems. 

At tomorrownow.org, we continue to support these types of collaborations and remain committed to driving innovation for the benefit of the most vulnerable communities.

The Road Ahead: A Resilient Future Built on Collaboration

At tomorrownow.org, we are excited about the future of weather and climate science and the potential for new technologies and partnerships to address global challenges. 

But we also recognize that while science is advancing rapidly, the solutions will only be effective if they are inclusive and accessible to everyone, especially those in the most vulnerable regions of Africa.

The future of hydromet innovation is bright, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of these efforts. By strengthening partnerships and embracing both new technologies and traditional approaches, we can ensure that weather and climate science works for all.

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Georgina is the co-founder of tomorrownow.org, connecting climate tech with communities in need. She spent a decade at MIT, leading initiatives on technology and social impact. She has worked with the World Bank and Harvard. Georgina supports STEM leadership and is a Parish Councillor. She studied at Oxford and MIT.