The Indian Meteorological Department: Transforming Weather Forecasting for a Safer Future

FAQs

1. What is the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and why is it important?

The IMD, founded in 1875, serves as India’s national weather agency, tasked with monitoring and predicting weather, climate, and natural phenomena. Its significance lies in disaster management, agriculture, and public safety, as it provides timely forecasts and warnings regarding extreme events like cyclones, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves.

2. How has IMD improved its weather forecasting over the years?

IMD has notably enhanced its accuracy in weather forecasting due to technological advancements. Over the past decade, forecasting accuracy has increased by 40%, attributed to an expanded meteorological observation network across land, sea, and space, incorporating satellites and radars.

3. What technological advancements have strengthened IMD’s capabilities?

IMD has undertaken several significant upgrades, including:

• Increasing the number of weather radars from 15 in 2014 to 39 by 2024.
• Expanding automatic weather stations from 675 to 1,208.
• Introducing high-speed wind recorders and remote sensing systems.

These innovations enable real-time monitoring and prediction of weather patterns.

4. What are the current capabilities of IMD in predicting extreme weather events?

IMD’s proficiency in forecasting extreme events has substantially improved:

• Heavy rainfall can now be predicted three days in advance with 78% accuracy, an increase from 50% a decade ago.
• Thunderstorms are detected on an hourly basis with 86% accuracy.
• Cyclone track prediction has seen improvements of 35-40%, which aids in reducing human and economic losses.

5. How does IMD aim to achieve zero-error forecasting?

IMD’s Vision Document 2047 outlines ambitious plans for attaining “zero-error” forecasting, focusing on:

• Providing block-level weather forecasts three days in advance.
• Aiming for 95% accuracy in heatwave predictions by 2047.
• Enhancing disaster management through the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning.

6. What are IMD’s plans for hyper-localized weather services?

IMD intends to offer hyper-localized weather services that provide precise information at the village panchayat level. This will be achieved using automated weather systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced sensors.

7. What is Mission Mausam, and how will it benefit IMD?

Mission Mausam, initiated by the Indian government, focuses on weather modification and improved management of extreme weather phenomena like hail and fog. Key components include:

• Establishing a unique cloud chamber at IITM, Pune, to study cloud physics and enhance cloud seeding techniques.
• Developing tools to effectively manage extreme weather, reduce losses, and refine forecasting accuracy.

8. How is IMD leveraging technology to address future challenges?

IMD is adopting cutting-edge technologies to bolster weather monitoring and forecasting:

• Expanding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and automated weather systems.
• Upgrading global weather modeling capabilities for localized predictions.
• Constructing new observation stations in remote areas to enhance data collection.

9. What steps has IMD taken to improve disaster preparedness?

Through improved data collection and 10-day advance forecasts, IMD ensures timely warnings for extreme weather events. It collaborates with disaster management agencies to minimize casualties and property damage during cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.

10. How will IMD’s Vision Document 2047 shape its long-term strategy?

The Vision Document envisions:

• Transforming IMD into a global leader in weather forecasting.
• Ensuring accurate, localized weather predictions.
• Creating smart weather systems to enhance climate resilience by 2047.

“Mastering the weather is not just science; it is the art of securing a safer future for humanity.”