Using AI for weather prediction in West Africa

Researchers are harnessing the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance weather prediction and improve climate resilience and food security in West Africa.

Project Cumulus is funded by the Gates Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The University of Leeds will work alongside the Alan Turing Institute and a consortium of partners to co-design a more accurate forecasting system which could help farmers improve crop yields and reduce economic losses.

Dr Scott Hosking, Mission Director for Environmental Forecasting at the Alan Turing Institute, said: “Forecasting rainfall in the tropics is a unique challenge, further complicated by climate change and a historical lack of localised data. To protect lives and livelihoods in these regions, we cannot rely on off-the-shelf AI solutions.

“This partnership between the UK, Ghana, and Senegal focuses on developing AI weather models specifically designed for conditions in West Africa, to provide the precision needed to effectively manage food systems and strengthen community resilience."

You can find out more about this project here.