How AI is transforming weather forecasting

Weather is one of the biggest challenges farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners face. With severe weather becoming more frequent and costly, having the right tools and strategies to protect ag operations is critical. Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping in to help meet that need—transforming how forecasts are generated and how agricultural operations prepare for weather-related risks.

The rising cost of weather damage

Did you know that wind and hail damage make up 35% of all farm-related damages each year? That’s according to Nationwide claims data that also show the cost to repair a single hail-damaged vehicle has surged by 46% since 2020. This trend doesn't just affect vehicles; these losses extend to essential farm structures like grain bins, machine sheds and outbuildings, as well as vital equipment such as tractors and combines.

Tips to help reduce severe weather risks

• Secure structures and equipment. Use storm-rated roofing, secure loose items and store vehicles and equipment indoors before storms.
• Inspect regularly. Check grain bins, fencing and outbuildings for vulnerabilities to prevent weather-related damage.
• Review insurance. Ensure policies provide adequate coverage for property and equipment.
• Document assets. Inventory major assets, including descriptions and photos, to streamline insurance claims.
• Sign up for weather alerts: Register for real-time hail and wind alerts to stay prepared.

Advancements in weather forecasting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is helping transform severe weather forecasting, making it more actionable for farmers. Newer AI-based models like Tomorrow.Io’s that is employed in Nationwide's real-time weather alert offering allow for faster, more detailed forecasts that enable farmers to better prepare for events like hailstorms.

"Compared to previous tools and technology, AI offers the ability to complement traditional weather forecasting by learning severe weather patterns in large datasets to more rapidly generate forecasts with growing accuracy," Mariah Pope, Senior Data Scientist at Tomorrow.io. "We have a lot to learn about AI in weather forecasting. But the more we learn, the more we can find out how it can help manage the risk to farm property posed by severe weather."

Protect your ag operation with real-time weather alerts

Weather alerts notify farm customers of severe weather at up to five locations. These timely texts help you take action to reduce weather losses. By staying informed, you can protect your farm, reduce losses and strengthen your operation’s resilience. The program also provides actionable safety tips for both before and after storms, as well as guidance on long-term preparation to minimize damage.

The future of AI in weather risk management

AI’s role in weather forecasting will continue to grow. As it does, it will offer farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners greater climate resilience, higher operational efficiency and fewer uncertainties. By leveraging larger datasets and improving accuracy, AI is facilitating smarter decisions to help protect agricultural property and livelihoods.

"AI weather forecasting still leaves room for errors, but we have found it can learn complex dynamics that lead to severe weather formation. AI forecasts run very quickly and have the potential to be more accurate and provide faster insights than previous technologies," Pope said. "The more we continue to learn about AI for weather modeling, the better we can tune models to predict when and where severe weather will strike.”

See more about how AI is currently helping shape the livestock industry. Talk to your Nationwide Farm Certified agent to explore ways AI can help you better manage the weather risks you face on your farm. Sign up for real-time weather alerts today to safeguard your farm.