A view of the Fuyao warning system. [Photo/Jiefang Daily]

The Shanghai AI Meteorological Application Innovation Center was inaugurated on March 31, accelerating the city's adoption of AI-driven weather forecasting.

The center is a joint initiative of a number of institutions, including the Shanghai Meteorological Service, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science and the National Meteorological Center.

It aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for technological innovation, industrial incubation and international cooperation in AI meteorology.

During the inauguration, officials unveiled two advanced weather forecasting models: Yushi, or "Rain Master," and Fuyao, meaning "Whirlwind".

Developed by the Shanghai Meteorological Service, the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the National Meteorological Center and the National Meteorological Information Center, Yushi specializes in predicting sudden severe convective weather in Shanghai.

By analyzing three-dimensional radar data and incorporating vertical velocity calculations from continuity equations, Yushi can map the 3D structure of thunderstorm cells, improving accuracy in predicting when storms will form and dissipate, said Xu Jianming, head of the Shanghai central meteorological observatory.

"With these capabilities, the model is expected to enhance severe convective weather warnings by 15 to 45 minutes, providing Shanghai with a critical buffer for disaster prevention," Xu said.

Fuyao, developed by the Shanghai Meteorological Service and the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science, focuses on bursts of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.

By rapidly integrating radar, satellites, automatic weather stations and numerical forecast data, it can increase forecast frequency from hourly updates to every 10 minutes, with the potential to deliver warnings at the subdistrict level.

A multi-hazard early warning toolbox designed for countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative was also introduced at the event.

The toolbox includes risk assessment, monitoring alerts, information dissemination and emergency response functions, leveraging algorithmic models and past case studies to enhance preparedness.

"The innovation center will actively promote international cooperation in meteorological AI, contributing Shanghai's expertise to global early warning efforts," said Feng Lei, director of the Shanghai Meteorological Service.