Grainswest - Fall 2026

Fall 2026 grainswest.com 29 information and reduce the potential for human error. THE FUTURE OF FORECASTING While AI is expected to enhance the speed and accuracy of weather forecasting, Classen does not see it replacing meteorologists. He views it as a valuable resource with which to make more informed decisions. “Any time there is new information, our forecasts will improve, but you still need humans to interpret the data.” Separovic agrees. Weather forecasting continues to depend on skilled professionals who understand atmospheric science, recognize when models are wrong and can communicate risk to the public. Although AI demonstrates tremendous promise, researchers are not ready to abandon existing forecast methods. Separovic cautioned that while the hybrid system is in its early stages, scientists, forecasters and the public will monitor its performance and progress. He predicts hybrid weather forecasting will become increasingly common as the technology improves and larger, higher quality datasets become available. FORECAST MEETS FIELD The real test for farmers will be whether better forecasts improve decision- making. In a written statement from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, press secretary Callum Reid noted dependable weather information remains essential to agriculture. “Farmers’ livelihoods depend on reliable, accurate weather information. While it’s still too early to say what the long-term impacts of the changes will be, we will keep a close eye on the new approach to ensure farmers have access to the dependable decision-making tools they need.” ECCC shares this measured approach. Artificial intelligence won’t replace decades of atmospheric science. Rather, it is another tool to help forecasters extract more accuracy from an already sophisticated system. AI NEEDS RADAR, TOO As the ECCC hybrid AI weather forecasting system was rolled out, its High Impact Weather Research section was disbanded. The number of staff let go has not been disclosed, but this included the team responsible for weather radar research and came just a couple of years after Canada completed implementation of its $180-million new national radar network. The federal government recently installed 33 Doppler radar sites in 2024. The network will continue to operate, but critics say this is inadequate. Dave Sills is director of the Northern Tornadoes Project and deputy director of the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory. He noted that before its elimination, the radar research group worked to improve the quality of radar data, addressed technical and interference issues, developed radar processing and detection techniques and worked to get more information from the network for severe weather forecasting. The new radar sites have capabilities that are not yet being fully realized, said Sills. This includes the improvement of detection and nowcasting of flash flooding, hail, tornadoes and other hazards. “The data coming out of the radars right now is OK, but they can produce so much more,” said Sills. ECCC has said the radar network will be maintained, and that scientific and technical expertise will remain available to support its operation. “Maintenance and research are two different things,” said Sills. Without a dedicated research team, he’s concerned Canada could lose ground in the improvement of radar performance and warning capabilities. “Open and unbiased research is essential to helping the agriculture sector remain strong and continue to grow,” said Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation press secretary Callum Reid in a written statement. “Farmers are unlikely to see any immediate changes to the weather information available to them.” He noted the many existing provincial agricultural weather resources will remain available. “However, this is concerning as reducing support for radar research could slow improvements in forecast accuracy, precipitation estimates and warning lead times. Alberta will closely monitor the impacts of the federal decision and will continue to advocate for research to ensure weather forecasts provide the information needed by Alberta’s producers and protect the public.” Sills believes radar and AI are complementary, rather than competing, technologies. AI forecasting depends on high-quality observations, he noted, and radar provides some of the most important real-time information about severe storms. “The two work together,” he said. “AI still needs good data.” The question is not simply whether Canada’s new radar sites will continue to operate, said Sills. It is whether Canada will have the scientific expertise needed to continually improve the system and provide better weather information and earlier warnings.