Confidence intervals in weather forecasting

Weather is inherently uncertain, your forecasts should reflect that reality. By integrating confidence intervals and probabilistic weather data, FROGCAST helps you plan with precision, measure uncertainty, and turn potential risks into smarter operational decisions.

No credit card required

What are confidence intervals?

Confidence intervals offer a statistical method to quantify uncertainty in weather forecasts. They indicate the probability that real weather conditions will fall within a specific range, giving a clearer understanding of forecast reliability.

This concept relies on quantiles, which divide a dataset into probability intervals to describe the full distribution of possible outcomes.

For instance, let’s say the forecast predicts a temperature of 10°C tomorrow morning :

  • The P20 quantile means there’s a 20% chance that the temperature will be below 8°C
  • The P50 quantile (the median) represents the most likely value of 10°C, with equal probability above or below
  • The P80 quantile means there’s an 80% chance that the temperature will stay below 12°C

These quantiles together form a realistic forecast range, (here between 8°C and 12°C), instead of relying on just one uncertain value. This confidence interval illustrates the forecast’s potential variability and helps you prepare for multiple scenarios.

FROGCAST probabilistic temperature forecast curve displayed in the FROGCAST interface, showing different measurements by quantiles.

Why confidence intervals matter

Deterministic forecasts

Most of the provided forecasts

Single scenario forecast: provides only one predicted outcome without indicating the range of possible variations or uncertainty

Significant errors: mistakes tend to grow, especially for the long term forecasts

Local phenomena: difficult to predict (storms, tempests)

No compensation: Individual forecast errors don’t offset each other

Probabilistic forecasts

Like FROGCAST

Multiple scenarios: understand not just the forecast, but also the level of confidence in it

Improved accuracy: at FROGCAST we aggregate data from +25 numerical weather prediction (NWP) models and ground measurements to provide a more reliable forecast

Realistic risk assessment: avoid unpleasant surprises by preparing for diverse eventualities

Error compensation: combining multiple models balances out individual errors, improving overall forecast reliability.

Simplifies your daily operations: an essential tool for professionals, enabling efficient anticipation and planning of your operational actions

Weather is never certain. Confidence intervals reveal a range of possible outcomes, helping you better manage risks, optimize planning, and avoid surprises. In energy, agriculture, logistics, and events, this knowledge means the difference between reacting and anticipating.

That’s why FROGCAST provides an ensemble forecast, generated by combining multiple weather scenarios from different numerical weather prediction models and simulations. 

Plan with confidence using FROGCAST.

Get your first forecasts for free

FROGCAST’s weather API integrates confidence intervals into its forecasts, giving you both accuracy and transparency. 🚀

no credit card required | no commitment

Cutting-edge weather forecast to plan with confidence

Our forecasts are based on data from major national meteorological agencies. Their optimal combination ensures the highest levels of accuracy and reliability to support your operational decisions.

Strategic decision-making and optimized planning

With access to multiple scenarios, you can develop more robust strategies, accounting for various contingencies, thereby reducing the impact of unexpected weather events.

Quantifying meteorological uncertainty

Our data includes an uncertainty estimate through statistical quantiles, helping you gauge confidence in the forecast. You’ll not only know what to expect, but also how much you can rely on that information.

Risk reduction

In sectors such as agriculture, transportation, or event management, every decision matters. Our forecasts allow you to adjust your operations, reducing risks and cutting costs.

Weather intelligence for your business

Reduce the uncertainty in your weather forecasts to better plan your activities, mitigate risks, and make more informed decisions!

No credit card required
Newsletter
Keep in touch

Get quarterly insights into the energy sector and our latest products.