Abstract:
At present, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in meteorology are developing rapidly, demonstrating significant potential in meteorological observation, weather and climate prediction, and weather service. However, a convergence of challenges including technological gaps, lagging regulation, data imbalance, limited generalization ability for extreme events, insufficient explainability, and inadequate public-private collaboration etc. poses severe challenges and potential risks to global development of meteorological AI. In this background, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) convened the WMO AI Conference, themed "AI for Weather Prediction, Advances, Challenges & Future Outlook", from 9 to 11 September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The conference provided a comprehensive and in-depth discussion of the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of AI technologies in meteorology. A WMO AI Conference statement was released, which identified key priority areas for future global collaboration in meteorological AI. These areas include strengthening data foundations and infrastructure to ensure the availability of data for AI; establishing trustworthy evaluation and explainability frameworks; advancing capacity building and fit-for-purpose governance frameworks; fostering cross-sector collaboration among public, private, and academia; and developing common principles and guidelines for the ethical application of AI in meteorological services. The conference laid the groundwork for future global development and international cooperation in the application of AI within the meteorological community.