About Google nowcast

Information for high accuracy short-term precipitation is now provided by the Google nowcast. You can find short-term rain, hail, or snow forecasts in your desired location up to 12 hours in advance with the Google nowcast. On your mobile device, when you search weather data, the weather information box shows the Google nowcast. The start and end times that show are in the local time zone of the location you search for.

The Google nowcast availability:

US
Certain locations in Europe
Japan

It may not be available on all weather surfaces.

The Google nowcast updates

The Google nowcast refreshes data multiple times per hour. We base the forecast on radar and weather prediction data from various data sources.

Learn more about the Google nowcast data sources:

To utilize the technology we developed in Japan, Google nowcast is provided by Weathernews. The technology leverages Google's AI analysis capabilities on Weathernews' high-precision data. The explanations about Japan here apply to other relevant sections below as well.

Weather forecasts aren't always accurate. To provide the highest level of accuracy, our predictions capture as much information as possible.

Tip: In addition to the short-term precipitation forecast, weather maps are also available on limited surfaces.

Should I expect additional precipitation?

You can check the next precipitation event in the Google nowcast. The hourly precipitation forecast shows any later precipitation with data provided by weather.com.

Why can't I find Google nowcast

If it’s too uncertain or there’s no forecast for rain, hail or snow, the Google nowcast data won't show up in the weather experience. In such cases, all displayed weather information is provided by weather.com.

Reports on current weather conditions

When you search for weather info on Google, you might be asked to provide feedback on the current weather in your location. Your feedback helps monitor the quality of weather results and update data.

To delete your feedback, go to My Activity. When you delete your feedback from your Google Account, we remove it. It may still be used to help improve weather results.

Learn how to help improve Google Search results.

Air quality information

How an Air Quality Index (AQI) near you is selected

To show the air quality at your location, Google applies the air quality model. Learn how to understand and manage your location.

If you search a city’s air quality, like “weather in London,” the result might be for a location far away from you. The air quality may be incorrect even if you're in the same city.

To get AQI for your location:

On the location header, click Choose area.
Select your precise location.

Data source and accuracy of Google’s air quality model

Google’s air quality model is based on a multi-layered approach (fusion approach) that combines data from various input sources and weights the layers in a sophisticated way. The input layers are governmental reference monitoring stations, commercial sensor networks, global and regional dispersion models, fire smoke and dust models, satellite information, traffic data, and auxiliary information, such as land cover and meteorology.
Learn more about air quality.

Air quality data sources

Google air quality model contains information available from the sources below:

Global data sources

Low-cost sensor data from Purple Air.
Modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
Modified Copernicus Global Land Cover information.
Public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from Met Office.
European EEA information under CC-BY-2.5 DK license.

Belgium

Modified IRCEL - CELINE information. License.

Canada

Information from the Manitoba government, licensed under the OpenMB Information and Data Use Licence Manitoba.ca/OpenMB.
Information licensed under the Open Government Licence-Ontario, version 1.0.

Denmark

DCE - National Center for Miljø og Energi. The data is raw data that isn't quality controlled.

Finland

ilmatieteen laitos.

France

Pays de la Loire: Source of the data: Air Pays de la Loire.
Geo D'Air.

Germany

Contains modified German Environment Agency information. Changes were made.

Guernsey

Italy

Regione del Veneto. License.

Ireland

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://epa.ie/ https://airquality.ie/.
License.

Japan

Modified Soramame information.

Mexico

The Air Quality information published by the Environment Secretariat of the Government of Mexico City is prepared from the information obtained from the Atmospheric Monitoring Network and its monitoring stations in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico, which are operated and managed by the Air Quality Monitoring Directorate of the General Directorate of Air Quality (SEDEMA). This information is public and free, and it's subject to quality processes that could modify it. The dissemination or use of this information by third parties is under the responsibility of the person who publishes or uses it.
SINAICA, https://sinaica.inecc.gob.mx/. Changes were made.

Spain

Metro Galicia and the Ministry of the Environment, Territory and Housing of the Xunta de Galicia.
Madrid Comunidad.
Ministry of the Environment information under CC BY 4.0 license.

Sweden

Contains modified SMHI information.

© Crown 2023 copyright Defra via uk-air.defra.gov.uk.
Contains LondonAir information. License.
Northern Ireland Air.

Texas TCEQ.
New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation: The data displayed here are from http://nyaqinow.net. This data is preliminary and subject to change.

Pollen information

Important: Note that Pollen information isn't available on all Google surfaces and weather experiences.

What is the pollen index?

Google's pollen model provides an effective and simple pollen index to help you determine the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms from upcoming pollen exposure. This index considers both concentration of allergenic pollen in the air and the likelihood of developing symptoms due to the specific types of pollen present. It focuses on Grass, Trees, and Weeds pollen types, and tracks various plant species.

The pollen index consists of 5 categories:

0: None
1: Low
2: Medium
3: High
4: Severe

Tip: Specific coverage and forecast days may differ based on your location.

How a Universal Pollen Index (UPI) near you is selected

Google applies its pollen model to show the pollen index at your location. This includes regional plant species and pollen types with a resolution of 1 x 1 kilometer or 0.6 x 0.6 mile, such as:

Grass
Trees
Weeds

What is the data source of Google’s pollen model, and is it accurate at all times?

To create a comprehensive and accurate prediction, Google's pollen model draws on a diverse range of data sources. This includes regional numerical models, land cover data, insights on plants' pollen production and seasonality, and weather forecasts. This approach allows the model to weigh various factors and provide a view of pollen index levels. While Google strives for the highest accuracy, factors like local environmental fluctuations can still influence pollen data.

Accuracy of the model is verified against pollen monitoring stations measurements where available.

Model limitations

While our pollen model offers valuable insights, to ensure accurate interpretation of the data, it's important to understand its limitations:

The pollen model is updated daily and may not reflect real-time changes.
Our pollen forecast may not reflect localized factors, like the presence of allergenic plants in your backyard or neighborhood.
Limited availability of local pollen count may affect the accuracy of the model in your area.
Our pollen data covers a limited number of plant species and may not reflect all allergens present in your area.

Pollen data sources

Google’s pollen model contains information available from the sources below: