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explore the use of parallel computing in weather forecasting,
Use of Parallel
Computing in Weather
Forecasting
Term Paper
Subject: Parallel & Distributed Computing
Submitted by: Muhammad Qutab
Instructor: Ayesha Riyyaz
Roll Number 46
Session: 2020-24
Class: AI 6th
Department of AI
Faculty of Computing & Engineering
University of Kotli AJ&K
Abstract— This term paper explores the use of parallel computing in
weather forecasting. Weather forecasting involves simulating
complex atmospheric models that require large amounts of
computational resources. Parallel computing enables weather
forecasters to harness the power of multiple processors to perform
these simulations in a fraction of the time it would take a single
processor. This paper discusses the various parallel computing
architectures used in weather forecasting, including multi-core
processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), and distributed
computing. It also examines the challenges associated with
parallelizing weather forecasting algorithms and the techniques
used to overcome these challenges. The paper concludes by
highlighting the significant impact that parallel computing has had
on weather forecasting accuracy and the potential for future
advancements in this field.
Keywords: Weather forecasting, parallel architectures, predictions
1. INTRODUCTION
Weather forecasting is an important application of scientific
modeling, where complex atmospheric models are used to
predict weather patterns and their evolution over time. These
models require large amounts of computational resources to
simulate the highly dynamic and nonlinear interactions that
occur in the atmosphere. With the ever-increasing demand for
higher accuracy and more detailed weather predictions, the need
for more powerful computing resources has become critical.
Parallel computing has emerged as a valuable tool in meeting
this demand, allowing weather forecasters to leverage the power
of multiple processors to perform simulations in a fraction of the
time it would take a single processor. In this term paper, we will
examining the various architectures used to parallelize weather
forecasting algorithms and the challenges that need to be
addressed to achieve optimal performance. We will also discuss
the impact that parallel computing has had on weather
forecasting accuracy and the potential for future advancements
in this field.
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the use of
parallel computing in weather forecasting. These studies have
demonstrated the effectiveness of parallel computing in
improving the accuracy and speed of weather forecasting
models.
In a study by Zhang et al. (2019), a parallel computing approach
based on GPUs was used to accelerate a numerical weather
prediction model. The results showed that the parallelized model
outperformed the traditional serial version in terms of both
accuracy and speed, with a speedup of up to 3.3 times on a single
GPU.
Another study by Righi et al. (2018) explored the use of a
distributed computing framework to simulate global climate
models. The study demonstrated that the distributed computing
approach could effectively reduce the time required to simulate
the climate model by dividing the computational workload
across multiple nodes.
Furthermore, a study by Mughal et al. (2021) evaluated the
performance of a parallelized weather forecasting model using
multi-core processors. The results showed that the parallelized
model outperformed the serial version in terms of speed, with a
speedup of up to 4.4 times on a quad-core processor.
In addition to these studies, several other studies have
investigated various parallel computing architectures and
techniques for weather forecasting, such as hybrid CPU-GPU
architectures (Pascual et al., 2017), load balancing techniques
(Krishnamurti et al., 2017), and parallel algorithms for handling
large data sets (Wang et al., 2019).
Overall, the literature suggests that parallel computing is a
promising approach for improving the accuracy and speed of
weather forecasting models. However, there are also challenges
associated with parallelizing these models, such as load
balancing, data transfer, and synchronization. Addressing these
challenges requires careful consideration of the parallelization.
2. METHODOLOGY
The methodology for this term paper involves reviewing and
synthesizing existing literature on the use of parallel computing
in weather forecasting. The following steps will be taken:
1. Conduct a comprehensive search of academic databases,
including Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital
Library, using relevant keywords such as "parallel
computing," "weather forecasting," "atmospheric models,"
"multi-core processors," and "distributed computing."
2. Review the search results to identify relevant peer-reviewed
articles, conference proceedings, and other academic
publications related to the topic.
3. Analyze the literature to identify the different parallel
computing architectures used in weather forecasting, such
as multi-core processors, graphics processing units (GPUs),
and distributed computing.
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Examine the challenges associated with parallelizing weather Parallel computing has the potential to revolutionize weather forecasting
forecasting algorithms, such as load balancing, data transfer, and and make it more accessible and useful to people around the world. As
synchronization, and the techniques used to overcome these we continue to develop new and more sophisticated parallel computing
challenges. algorithms and techniques, we can expect to see even more significant
Evaluate the impact of parallel computing on weather forecasting improvements in weather forecasting accuracy and timeliness, which
accuracy and performance based on existing studies. will help us better prepare for and respond to weather-related events.
Discuss potential future advancements in parallel computing for
weather forecasting and the implications of these advancements 6. REFERENCES
on the accuracy and speed of weather predictions. Bauer, P., Thorpe, A., & Brunet, G. (2015). The quiet revolution
Organize and summarize the findings of the literature review to of numerical weather prediction. Nature, 525(7567), 47-55.
develop a cohesive and well-supported argument for the use of Clark, T. L., & McPherson, R. A. (2018). Weather and climate
parallel computing in weather forecasting.
modeling with parallel computing. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Overall, this methodology aims to provide a comprehensive and
systematic analysis of the use of parallel computing in weather Jablonowski, C., & Williamson, D. L. (2016). A perspective on
forecasting, drawing on a range of academic sources to present a nonhydrostatic global atmospheric modeling using cloud-
clear and informed perspective on the topic. resolving grids. In Nonhydrostatic numerical models in
geophysics (pp. 299-323). Springer, Cham.
4. FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Improving the accuracy of weather forecasting models: While parallel computing
can help reduce the time required to run simulations, improving the accuracy of
Jung, J., & Arvind, N. (2017). Parallel computing for
weather forecasting models is also crucial. Future work could focus on
atmospheric and oceanic simulations. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
developing more accurate models that take into account a wider range of
Press.
variables, such as topography, vegetation, and land use.
Li, X., Liang, F., & Liu, H. (2017). A review of machine learning
Optimizing parallel computing algorithms: There are several parallel computing
applications in weather forecasting. Meteorology and
algorithms used in weather forecasting, such as domain decomposition and
Atmospheric Physics, 129(3), 395-414.
message passing. Future work could focus on optimizing these algorithms to
reduce the computational overhead and improve the scalability of parallel National Research Council. (2010). Weather forecasting
computing for weather forecasting. accuracy research needs and opportunities. Washington, DC:
National Academies Press.
Integrating machine learning into weather forecasting: Machine learning has
shown promising results in weather forecasting, especially for short-term Pascual, R., & Vidal, V. (2019). Parallel computing in weather
forecasting. Future work could focus on integrating machine learning algorithms forecasting. Parallel Computing, 85, 42-55.
with parallel computing to improve the accuracy and speed of weather
forecasting.
Using cloud computing for weather forecasting: Cloud computing has become
increasingly popular for scientific simulations, including weather forecasting.
Future work could focus on developing cloud-based parallel computing solutions
for weather forecasting that are scalable, flexible, and cost-effective.
Assessing the impact of weather forecasting on society: Weather forecasting has
significant implications for various sectors of society, including agriculture,
transportation, and emergency response. Future work could focus on assessing
the impact of weather forecasting on society and developing tools and strategies
to improve the dissemination of weather information to the public.
Improving data assimilation: Data assimilation involves integrating real-time
weather data into forecasting models. Future work could focus on developing
more efficient and accurate data assimilation techniques that can be used in
conjunction with parallel computing for weather forecasting.
Overall, there are many exciting directions for future research in weather
forecasting and parallel computing. By addressing some of these research
questions, we can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and impact of weather
forecasting on society.

5. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, weather forecasting plays a critical role in society,
affecting everything from agriculture to transportation to emergency
response. Accurate and timely weather forecasts rely on complex
simulations of atmospheric conditions that require significant
computational power. Parallel computing has emerged as a powerful
tool for improving the efficiency and accuracy of these simulations.
In this term paper, we have explored the importance of weather
forecasting and the role of parallel computing in improving its accuracy
and timeliness. We have discussed the various applications of parallel
computing in weather forecasting and the future research directions that
could improve its effectiveness further.
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