Scientists Explore Technology to Influence Hurricane Paths

A study published in the journal PLOS Water on June 24, 2026, discusses the potential for technology to alter the paths of hurricanes. The authors argue that traditional methods of managing weather-related disasters may not be sufficient, suggesting that cloud seeding, enhanced with advanced data analysis, could help redirect severe weather events. They claim that carefully-timed cloud seeding could have changed the trajectory of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and mitigated other weather events. However, critics, including Katja Friedrich from the University of Colorado, argue that there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the ability of cloud seeding to modify large-scale weather systems. The study's authors acknowledge the ethical implications of potentially steering storms and emphasize the need for further research and technological development. The Government Accountability Office notes that nine U.S. states currently use cloud seeding, while ten have banned it. The authors remain optimistic that advancements in technology and artificial intelligence could improve the effectiveness of future cloud seeding efforts.