Picture this: it’s 2040, and you’re stepping out the door, getting ready for the day. But instead of checking your weather app, you slip on a pair of XR (Extended Reality) glasses, and instantly, a holographic preview of you appears, wearing the perfect outfit for the day ahead. It knows the weather conditions at your location, as well as every stop you’ll make along the way and what you love to wear—right down to suggesting the right hat or reminding you to apply sunscreen before heading out.

This isn’t science fiction. We’re heading towards a future where weather forecasting isn’t just about knowing if you’ll need an umbrella or sunscreen—it will be hyper-personalised and woven into your daily routines.

As I often joke, in the past, we relied on our elders’ “weather instincts” or even their arthritic knees to predict an approaching storm. But while those methods were great conversation starters, the future of weather forecasting will leave nothing to chance. No more sticking your wet finger in the air and hoping for the best; instead, technology will predict everything down to the micro level—your street, your body, and your day.

Data Collection: Beyond the Clouds

Let’s start with the nuts and bolts: data collection. Over the next 10 to 20 years, satellites and drones will continue to improve their real-time weather data collection, while 7G technology will allow that data to flow seamlessly and instantly into our hands.

We won’t just be watching the weather happen; we’ll have a constant stream of real-time data that reacts to every change in the atmosphere. Imagine stepping outside and knowing not just if it’ll rain in 15 minutes, but how it will affect the temperature on your commute.

But the true power comes when we combine this data with the Internet of Things (IoT). Everyday objects like your shoes or smartwatch will gather data, creating an intricate network of weather information.

This will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how weather patterns develop and shift, helping to generate forecasts that are more precise than ever before.

AI and Machine Learning: Smarter Forecasts, Faster

By 2030, AI and machine learning will be leading the way in forecasting, processing immense amounts of weather data in seconds. These models will be able to find patterns from decades of weather history, providing forecasts that are not only more accurate but also longer-term.

Imagine how this could change your daily life. Instead of worrying about an unexpected storm disrupting your day, AI-driven models will give you a detailed itinerary of the weather along your entire route—whether you’re walking, driving, or cycling. It’ll even remind you to pack extra layers if the temperature is going to drop dramatically while you’re at work.

For businesses, this kind of forecasting offers serious advantages. Agriculture, construction, and event planning industries will benefit from AI-driven long-term forecasts, allowing them to plan months in advance for potential weather disruptions.

It’s about transforming weather from something that happens to you, to something you can plan for with precision.

Quantum Computing and Weather Control

If that sounds futuristic, just wait. By 2040, quantum computing will take forecasting to a new level. These supercomputers will simulate complex weather patterns in milliseconds, predicting extreme weather events with far more accuracy than today’s models.

Imagine the possibilities: quantum computing could predict the next massive hurricane or heatwave weeks before it happens, allowing governments and communities to prepare in advance.

You’ll also receive real-time updates on how these systems evolve, reducing the chances of being caught off guard by unexpected shifts in weather.

And if we take it a step further, there’s even talk of weather control. While still largely experimental, cloud seeding and other techniques could one day allow us to intervene in weather patterns.

Need rain for crops? Scientists might one day be able to trigger a controlled downpour to combat drought.

Hyperlocal, Hyper-Personalised: The Weather Just for You

While all these advancements sound impressive, the most significant leap will come from hyperlocal and hyper-personalised forecasting. By 2040, forecasts will be so precise they’ll not only predict the weather for your city or neighbourhood, but for your specific route or activity. Coupled with XR technology, it might even help you plan your wardrobe.

Picture this: You’ve got a busy day ahead, filled with meetings and outdoor activities. Your XR glasses project a weather preview of you wearing the right outfit at each stop, based on the forecast for that location and time of day. It knows when you’ll be outside, when you’ll be sitting in air-conditioned comfort, and when you’ll be walking through rain or sunshine.

By making these predictions personal, the technology ensures you’re never caught off guard. Your outfit, sunscreen, and even your shoes will all be chosen based on a detailed weather map created just for you.

Climate Change: New Models for a Changing World

Of course, climate change will have a significant impact on future weather forecasting. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more extreme weather events will force us to develop new forecasting models that go beyond just predicting next week’s weather.

By 2050, we’ll have long-term forecasts that can predict climate-driven events like prolonged droughts, severe storms, or even flooding caused by rising sea levels. These models will be crucial for planning everything from urban development to global food production.

Quirky Forecasting: Mood and Beyond

And for something a little more whimsical, imagine being able to predict your mood based on the weather. Research is already underway on how weather impacts human emotions, and in the future, your wearable devices might give you “mood forecasts” alongside weather updates. It might say, “Feeling a little down today? It’s those grey skies—try taking a walk in the sun later to boost your mood.”

It’s fun to think about, but it also highlights how deeply connected we are to the weather and how forecasts will not just tell us what’s happening outside but will affect how we live our lives inside as well.

A New Era of Weather Forecasting

The future of weather forecasting isn’t just about knowing whether to carry an umbrella or grab sunscreen. It’s about hyper-personalisation, real-time updates, and AI-driven models that make our lives easier, safer, and more predictable.

We’re heading towards a world where weather data is integrated into everything we do, from what we wear to how we work—and the possibilities are endless!

Listen to Hong Kong Radio 3’s Phil Whelan and I chat about this live on air (17 minutes 09 seconds):