Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) applauded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into its weather forecasting systems, calling it "meaningful progress in modernizing forecasting capabilities."
NOAA announced the change last week, specifying that the new AI systems include the Artificial Intelligence Global Forecast System (AIGFS), which uses 99.7% less computing resources than the traditional system, the AI Global Ensemble Forecast System (AIGEFS), which boasts an extended forecast skill of 18 to 24 hours, and the Grand Hybrid, which combines AIGEFS with the existing Global Ensemble Forecast System.
"Integrating artificial intelligence into weather forecasting has the potential to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of forecasts relied upon by states like Florida and the nation as a whole," said Rep. Franklin in his press release, adding, "NOAA's launch of these AI-driven models represents meaningful progress in modernizing forecasting capabilities and equipping forecasters and emergency managers with better tools to prepare for severe weather and wildfire risks."
Additionally, Rep. Franklin highlighted his TAME Extreme Weather Act, which calls for integrating AI into NOAA's systems. As a result, with NOAA's announcement of AIGFS and AIGEFS, the Florida Congressman's bill would accelerate the process.
"I've long supported responsibly incorporating AI into NOAA's work, including through my TAME Extreme Weather Act and provisions advanced in the Weather Act, and I encourage the House to pass the Weather Act to continue this momentum," Franklin concluded.
Last December, Franklin joined forces with Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to urge funding to allow NOAA to upgrade its hurricane hunter aircraft fleet, saying, "NOAA's hurricane hunter fleet is critical to delivering real-time data to improve the accuracy of forecasts and inform emergency management efforts."
Rep. Wasserman Schultz added, "With increasingly severe hurricane seasons, communities across the nation are relying more than ever on NOAA's life-saving storm tracking and forecasting capabilities."
