Abstract: From the earliest days of numerical weather prediction to the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, technology has propelled the science of meteorology. The emergence of AI is continuing that trend, with applications now reaching across observation and modeling of the atmosphere to communication of forecasts and impacts. This talk traces the evolution of AI in meteorology, from the first numerical models and early machine-learning-like methods to improve forecasts to modern approaches such as observation quality control, AI-based atmospheric predictions, and personalized weather services for different audiences. The discussion also highlights the opportunities and challenges AI creates for communicating forecasts in ways that strengthen decision-making, resilience, and public understanding.

Short Bio: Nate Johnson (B.S. Computer Science, ’00) is Vice President of Weather Content and Operations for NBCUniversal Local, where he guides strategy and innovation for weather coverage across 44 English- and Spanish-language TV stations across the country. He leads more than 120 weather professionals nationwide, setting standards, identifying best practices, and providing tools and techniques they need to provide the most accurate forecasts on TV, web, apps, and beyond. Johnson also coordinates the group’s climate reporting and collaborates with technology, operations, and digital teams on projects ranging from radar systems to app and website development. Previously, he was a meteorologist and executive producer at WRAL-TV in Raleigh. His work has earned four regional Emmy Awards, two national Emmy nominations, a duPont-Columbia nomination, and multiple Associated Press and Edward R. Murrow awards. A past president of the National Weather Association, he is also a member of the NC State University Computer Science Hall of Fame and holder both the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation and the National Weather Association’s Seal of Approval.