Hyperlocal Weather Forecasts can Keep You Safe

Extreme Weather is Raising Costs Dramatically

Natural disasters caused US$224 billion in losses in 2025 as well as with thousands of deaths, and US$73 billion of that was in Asia, according to insurer Munich Re. Asia was also the location for four of the world’s six costliest climate-related disasters in 2025, according to a report by Christian Aid.

We often hear about how storms destroy houses, buildings, roads, bridges and more. Indeed, much of that cost stemmed from the losses of buildings and infrastructure. Yet the impact is far greater, as weather can affect everything from homes and hospitals to food supplies.

Supermarket shelves may empty out when floods or heatwaves decimate agriculture, for instance, and farmers can lose thousands or millions of dollars of crops or livestock. Revenue at transport companies drops precipitously when typhoons or floods block the roads. Airlines cancel or reroute flights to avoid the worst of the storms, and planes have difficulty taking off when extreme heat reduces air density. Events may need to be cancelled due to typhoons. And consumers can get stuck when ride hailing companies cannot reach them for transport or to deliver packages.

If anything, worsening climate change will exacerbate the costs of the disasters. Fortunately, there is an evolving solution.

Hyperlocal Weather Prediction Can Save Lives and Reduce Costs

It might seem like weather forecasts might be too broad to have a significant role reducing the impact of extreme weather events, which will continue unimpeded regardless of the forecast. Yet it turns out that hyperlocal weather predictions can be a successful climate adaptation strategy.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on ground-based radar or large-area models, Tech Collective explains, the latest solutions integrate satellite data, machine learning and AI models tailored to a region’s unique topography and microclimates. Data from sensors can be integrated with those solutions to make the forecasts even more site-specific.

The latest hyperlocal forecasts can deliver predictions for weather in areas as small as a single field on a farm or part of a single block in a city. While some of these forecasts currently come just hours ahead of when extreme rainfall strikes, even a few hours can make a difference and the models may soon deliver insights days in advance.

Early warning about storms hours before danger hits, for instance, can enable farmers to act quickly to protect their equipment and even some of their crops. With forecasts further in advance, farmers can schedule planting or harvesting and prepare in advance to irrigate their crops.

In the logistics industry, Supply Chain Brain explained, rain and wet roads are the leading cause of truck crashes. In the US, Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused shipments to drop 75% from previous weeks. Hyperlocal weather forecasts enable logistics companies to reroute shipments dynamically ahead of severe storms in order to reduce downtime, identify hazardous conditions and suggest alternative routes, thereby improving safety conditions for drivers.

Weather forecasts are changing from from a free public service into an essential data service that businesses and governments will pay for.

Startups, Big Companies and even Governments Deliver Solutions

Across Southeast Asia, startups and a multitude of other players are addressing the issue by delivering hyperlocal weather forecasts. Farmers, companies and even governments are increasingly willing to pay for insights that will reduce the damage and costs. Once they select a solution, they’re likely to stick with it.

Hyperlocal forecasts from Singapore-based startup Pluvia.ai, for instance, help platforms and operators reduce delays and improve service reliability by dynamically adjusting routing, pricing and staffing. It uses AI, proprietary algorithms, machine learning and forecasting to help businesses plan and respond better to weather-related risks. Its AI-enhanced prediction capabilities extend forecast horizons and improve accuracy. Rain insights with 30-minute forecasts enable businesses to make decisions that enhance safety and reduce risks to their operations. Businesses that integrate it into their operations can become long-term customers.

In Indonesia, Mertani sells Automatic Weather Stations that allow farmers to access microclimate reports from their plantations and ensure optimal crop growth. Previously, uneven distribution of weather observation networks in remote areas and the limitations of weather measurement technology have posed challenges. Mertani’s sensors track rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, light and soil conditions. The broader weather observation infrastructure and more advanced technology help provide early warning systems. The stations and the insights they deliver can create long-term revenue as farmers come to rely on these tools.

Governments are getting into the act too. The Thai government is working to deploy a weather forecasting system by adopting satellite and AI technology from Tomorrow.io, The Nation reported, enabling faster and more accurate disaster alerts. The plan would enhance the Meteorological Department’s forecasting infrastructure, allowing Thailand to access clearer and faster information on storms, rainfall, flash floods, lightning and wind patterns. The AI-driven atmospheric modelling and decision-making tools would integrate into the country’s meteorological infrastructure.

Vietnam is increasingly applying AI and digital technologies to enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness OpenGov reported. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has started integrating AI into its forecasting operations. By combining radar data, satellite imagery and automated observation systems, forecasters can deliver more accurate and timely short-term predictions. With AI processing vast amounts of radar and satellite data in real time, forecasters can provide highly detailed updates, enabling communities and authorities to respond more effectively.

For startups, collaborations such as the one between Tomorrow.io and the government in Thailand are a harbinger of more opportunities in the future.

Safety and Savings from the Solutions

The hyperlocal weather forecasts enhance safety for consumers and businesses, enabling them to save substantially. As hyperlocal forecasts gain adoption, stickiness will likely increase and investors can benefit from durable longer-term revenue opportunities.