MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Google’s self-driving car project, Waymo, pushes into tough weather testing. The cars now face heavy snow and heavy rain in real-world conditions. This marks a major step beyond sunny California roads.

(Google’s Self-Driving Cars Now Test in Extreme Weather Conditions)

Waymo vehicles are learning to drive in Michigan’s winter and Alaska’s cold. They also tackle rainy Seattle streets. Bad weather creates big problems for self-driving sensors. Snow can cover road markings. Rain makes cameras see poorly. Fog confuses the car’s view.

Engineers work hard on these issues. They upgrade sensor cleaning systems. They improve software to understand messy weather scenes. The goal stays clear: safety in all situations. Handling bad weather is crucial for real-world use. People need reliable transport no matter the forecast.

(Google’s Self-Driving Cars Now Test in Extreme Weather Conditions)

Waymo teams up with local authorities in these test areas. This collaboration provides vital winter driving experience. Data from snowy and rainy drives helps train the cars better. Every mile in tough weather makes the technology smarter. The company believes this testing is essential. Future riders must trust the cars anywhere, anytime. Extreme weather proves the system’s limits and strengths.