Core Viewpoint - The First Meteorological and Economic Expo showcased the integration of meteorology into various industries, highlighting its role as a key driver for technological advancement and economic growth [2][4][8]. Group 1: Expo Overview - The Expo was held from July 18 to 20, 2025, at the Hefei Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center, organized by the China Meteorological Service Association [1]. - The theme of the Expo was "Integrating Meteorology into the New Economy, Joining Hands to Create a Better Future," presenting a comprehensive landscape of the meteorological economy for the first time [2]. Group 2: Exhibitors and Technologies - Over a hundred exhibitors from more than 20 fields, including meteorology, artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, transportation, tourism, healthcare, and financial insurance, participated in the Expo [3]. - Innovative meteorological technology products were showcased, such as intelligent integrated drones, laser virtual wind towers, and air cannons for smog dispersal and hail suppression [3][7]. Group 3: Industrial Connections - The Expo facilitated connections among industrial, capital, and innovation chains, creating a full-lifecycle industrial service system through investment introductions, industrial matchmaking, and technology pairing [4]. - Exhibiting enterprises achieved precise connections and efficient transformations through product displays and supply-demand matchmaking [4]. Group 4: Advancements in Meteorological Services - High-tech meteorological products, including cloud-penetrating detection drones and pocket-sized weather stations, were introduced, shifting reliance from reactive to proactive meteorological services [7]. - The Expo served as a crucial hub for advancing the meteorological economy from concept to practice, emphasizing the integration of meteorology into everyday life [8]. Group 5: Educational and Scientific Exchange - The Expo featured a dedicated zone for university scientific exchange and introduced investment and financing institutions, pooling innovative resources to support enterprise innovation and industrial development [12]. - Popular science initiatives were highlighted, making meteorological knowledge accessible through interactive experiences and educational resources [11]. Group 6: Participation and Future Outlook - Nearly 2,000 participants, including government representatives, international organizations, and industry professionals, attended the Expo, marking a significant moment in the development of the meteorological economy [14]. - The China Meteorological Service Association celebrated its 10th anniversary during the Expo and aims to continue driving innovation and cooperation in the meteorological economy [15].

The business of weather forecasting is increasingly precise and competitive as consumers expect more targeted hyper local forecasts and businesses require them too. That comes despite cuts to key government agencies by the Trump administration. And joining us right now is Tom Weber.He's the author of a book called Cloud Warriors: Deadly Storms, Climate Chaos, and the Pioneers Creating a Revolution in Weather Forecasting. Full disclosure, Tom's been a friend of mine for over 30 years. We used to be reporters ...