1. A method for making predictions based on a non-parametric empirical model used in monitoring a system, the method comprising: receiving a query vector of monitored parameters for the non-parametric empirical model characterizing the system; determining robust distances between the query vector and each of a set predetermined historical vectors for the non-parametric empirical model based on an implementation of an elemental kernel function; determining weights for the monitored parameters based on the robust distances; combining the weights with the predetermined historical vectors to make predictions for the system.