This new Google Maps feature will make it easier to navigate in winter: What is it, how it works and more

Google Maps weather alerts

At its 10th Google for India event, Google has introduced new features for Google Maps. Among others, the most interesting feature is the real-time alerts for low visibility areas due to fog and flooded roads. This will help drivers to navigate through challenging situations and weather conditions safely.

The new feature provides weather-related alerts in Google Maps, specifically focusing on areas with low visibility caused by fog and roads affected by flooding. The feature will be available to users in India as part of an ongoing effort to enhance real-time navigation with the help of the community.

The feature relies on user data from the Maps community. Simply put, it utilises the data from contributors and Google’s AI-powered systems to deliver real-time updates for weather conditions to users. Drivers will be notified if they're approaching a low-visibility area, enabling them to adjust their routes or driving speed. Users can also report these conditions to update the Maps database and help others navigate safely.

The feature will start rolling out later this month.

In addition to weather alerts, Google is leveraging its AI-powered Gemini model to provide restaurant review summaries and photo-first search results for items and experiences, making it easier for users to quickly evaluate places of interest. Both these features will also start rolling out later this month.