Advances in weather prediction

Abstract

Weather forecasting provides societal benefits that greatly exceed costs. Advances in forecasting have been rapid, arising from improved observationsandmodels, and better integrationof thesethrough data assimilationand related techniques. Further improvementsare not yet constrained by limits on predictability, and can be enabled by targeted investmentsin this successful public-private partnership.Betterforecastingin turncancontribute to awide range of valuableenvironmental forecasting, from forest-fire smoke to bird migrations, improving well-being in numerous and sometimes surprising ways.