So far, laboratory experiments meant to measure how plants will respond to warmer temperatures in the future haven't worked well, and computer models to forecast regional climate effects have fared no better, NASA and university researchers recently concluded.

WSJ: A Science of Signs of Spring

Forecast models show these warmer regions as being below normal by fall, a harbinger of excess storm activity.

FORBES: Damaging Hurricanes Could Impact Energy, Insurance Industries In 2012

He said it would provide cleaner and more accurate data for the computer models used to forecast the weather.

BBC: Jersey weather radar upgrade 'improves forecasts'