About Weather Labs
What is Weather Labs?
Weather Labs is a forecasting platform that leverages machine learning and AI to deliver hyperlocal weather predictions.
How do you create the forecasts?
Our forecasts are powered by machine learning algorithms that integrate real-time data from local weather stations with simulations of athmospheric conditions from multiple numerical prediction models.
Why should I use hyperlocal forecasts?
Large numerical weather prediction models used by major weather services are often not precise enough to capture local conditions. This is often due to the significant influence of local topography on weather patterns, such as wind and temperature - effects that occur on a smaller scale than the resolution of most numerical models. For instance, the south-facing slope of a hill may be considerably warmer than its north-facing counterpart. Similarly, wind patterns in a bay enclosed by mountains can differ significantly from those predicted by large-scale numerical models due to local thermal effects. At Weather Labs, we develop algorithms capable of capturing these local nuances, delivering accurate forecasts for those who rely on precise, location-specific weather predictions.
How often are forecasts updated?
Forecasts are updated once an hour.
How reliable are your forecasts?
We continuously benchmark our forecasts against those from other widely used weather services. Over the past year, we have outperformed both the ECMWF and HRRR models - two of the most widely used large-scale forecasting systems in North America and globally - in wind forecast accuracy at all of our stations. At certain stations, particularly those in complex terrain, we have reduced the average forecast error by up to 80% compared to HRRR, and 65% compared to ECMWF.
Of course, there will always be times when our forecast is off. Small, random events can have a major impact on weather, especially during unstable atmospheric conditions. That is what makes weather prediction so inherently challenging - and fun to work on!