Machine learning and computer vision can also apply to climate and weather prediction models. Our group is actively advancing research on short-term climate and weather prediction, with a focus on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions. Through collaborations with governments and research institutions worldwide, we are integrating large-scale climate models, radar, and satellite data with AI-driven techniques to improve the accuracy of rainfall forecasts and extreme weather event predictions. One of our most significant initiatives has been in Sierra Leone, where we established a memorandum of understanding with the government to develop an AI-based system for improving rainfall prediction and mitigating the impact of cascading geohazards such as landslides.

Our efforts in this area have received international recognition, including a top-5 placement in the IEEE Region 8 Climate Challenges Hackathon in November 2024, where we demonstrated the potential of this approach. Building on this success, we submitted a $2 million proposal to the Sierra Leone government (currently under review) aimed at creating a national climate resilience framework that uses AI to predict extreme weather events and reduce the associated risks to communities and infrastructure.

Results of our IEEE Climate Challenge Hackathon were our team improved the prediction of a 7 days hourly forecast of 6 different variables in three locations around the world.

In addition to our work in Africa, we are also fostering partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly with Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). Over the past two years, we secured two successful bids to train master’s and PhD students in AI applications for meteorology, climate science, and geohazard prediction. These collaborations have led to strong research ties with BMKG and opened new opportunities to explore AI-driven solutions for earthquake prediction and climate forecasting. Our group continues to focus on these global partnerships, recognizing the urgent need to leverage AI for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction across diverse geographies.

Visiting the BMKG Climate Monitoring and Early Warning Centre, December 2024.