Artificial intelligence to help predict extreme heatwaves 

Last year, a lot of European countries experienced temperatures far higher than normal as extreme weather hit the continent. French scientists have now unveiled an AI system than can predict such events. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Extreme heatwaves like those that struck Western Europe last summer could be predicted weeks in advance in the future using artificial intelligence.

Because heatwaves are rare and difficult to anticipate, it has historically been difficult to prepare for the likes of wildfires and the health implications for people and animals when they strike.