Artificial intelligence: Weather and the storm of misinformation

Earlier this month, tragedy struck in Texas when sudden flash floods overwhelmed parts of the Hill Country. The storms claimed multiple lives, including several young girls attending a Christian summer camp. Roads washed out in minutes and rescue teams scrambled in the dark to save those trapped by rising waters. As heartbreaking as the loss was, it also served as a brutal reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn deadly, and how important it is for people to get reliable information fast.

But in today’s world, the forecast isn’t the only thing we have to worry about. Alongside real warnings and updates, we’re also seeing a flood of misinformation, sometimes made worse by artificial intelligence. AI now plays a growing role in how weather is predicted, reported and, unfortunately, distorted.

A smarter forecast

For years, weather models have relied on powerful computers to crunch huge amounts of data, temperature readings, satellite images and wind patterns. Now AI is helping those forecasts get better and faster.

Machine learning models can analyze data in ways even the best meteorologists can’t do alone. AI helps spot patterns in past storms, compare them to real-time data and improve the accuracy of forecasts. Some researchers are even using AI to predict local flooding, giving cities a few extra critical hours to prepare.

The National Weather Service has started testing AI-assisted tools that issue warnings faster. Private companies, like The Weather Company, use AI to power apps many of us check every morning.

AI after disaster

AI isn’t just about predicting storms, it can also help in the aftermath. Emergency response teams are using AI to assess damage from satellite images, find blocked roads and even help locate missing people.

In disaster zones, drones paired with AI software can quickly map out areas too dangerous for humans. Relief agencies use AI-powered systems to predict supply needs or identify which communities will need help first.

All of this sounds promising — and it is, but that’s not the whole story.

When AI becomes the storm

While AI can help protect lives, it can also create confusion and fear. We’ve started seeing fake weather alerts and deepfake videos of storms that never happened. Some people are even using AI tools to create realistic-looking tornado warnings or hurricane paths that aren’t real.

These fake images and alerts spread fast, especially when they hit social media. And it doesn’t help when the algorithms behind platforms like Facebook, TikTok and X push sensational content to the top of our feeds.

It’s not just harmless pranks. In some cases, fake AI-generated weather reports have caused panic buying or led people to ignore real warnings, assuming everything online is fake.

The real danger of ‘Weather Wars’

Another layer of misinformation comes from conspiracy theories. You may have seen posts claiming the government is controlling the weather, often with “proof” supplied by AI-generated images or made-up reports.

There’s no evidence to back these claims. But with AI tools making it easier to create fake “news,” some people are more convinced than ever.

This mix of real science, cutting-edge AI and fake news creates a tough environment. When people don’t know who to trust, they might tune out completely, and that could be deadly when a real storm hits.

Staying weather-wise

AI isn’t going away. And neither is bad information. But we do have tools to stay smart:

Check reliable sources. Your best bet is still the National Weather Service, NOAA, or trusted local news outlets, not a TikTok influencer or a random post that just popped up.

Be skeptical of dramatic images. If a photo or video looks too wild to be real, take a second look. Google’s reverse image search or apps like TinEye can help you spot fakes.

Think before you share. That shocking weather alert might be fake, and if you share it, you’re helping the misinformation storm grow.

Use AI wisely. Apps like ChatGPT or Gemini can help you check facts, but don’t rely on them for emergency updates. AI models don’t have real-time weather feeds.

The bottom line

AI has the power to help us predict storms, respond faster to disasters and even save lives. But it also has the power to create confusion if we’re not careful. Like any tool, it depends on how we use it  and how we choose to trust (or not trust) the information around us.

So the next time you see a wild weather forecast or a viral video of a hurricane bearing down, pause for a second. Make sure the storm is real before you react and definitely before you share.

After all, the forecast might be up in the air, but your common sense shouldn’t be.

Joe Finkelstein (AI Joe) has been a technology educator in Bibb County for more than 20 years. For questions and comments visit askaijoe.com