India's Mission for Advanced Weather Forecasting

Mission Mausam Overview

• Launch Date: January 14, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Objective: To develop a nation that is 'weather-ready and climate-aware'.
• Key Goals:
  • Strengthen Earth system observation components.
  • Establish an early warning system for seamless weather and climate services.
  • Enhance understanding, modeling, and forecasting of weather and climate.

Key Components of Mission Mausam

1. Advanced Weather Monitoring: Development of cutting-edge technologies and systems.
2. High-Resolution Atmospheric Observation: Implementation of high-resolution atmospheric observations with better temporal and spatial sampling.
3. Deployment of Next-Gen Tools: Installation of advanced radar, wind profilers, and satellites.
4. High-Performance Computing: Implementation of advanced HPC systems to improve forecasting capabilities.
5. Earth System Modeling: Development of advanced models and data-driven methods, including AI/ML applications.
6. Decision Support Systems (DSS): Establishment for effective weather management.
7. Capacity Building: Strengthening research collaborations and capacity building.

Current Infrastructure and Data Collection

• IMD's Doppler Radar Network: 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Expansion Plans: Deployment of 29 C-band, 45 X-band, and 12 S-band DWR across India.
• Forecasting Systems: Implementation of global and regional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models for short, medium, and long-term forecasting.
• High-Resolution Forecasts: New India Forecast System (IndiaFS) operates at 6 km resolution covering block and panchayat levels.

Technological Advancements

• Computing Capacity: Increased from 6.8 petaflops in 2014 to 28 petaflops in 2025.
• AI in Meteorology: AI-based global models assisting in severe weather forecasting.
• Local Forecasting Tools: Development of indigenous forecasting tools for real-time monitoring.

Disaster Management Initiatives

• Pre-Disaster Warning Systems: Enhancements by IMD for better disaster preparedness.
• Citizen-Centric Platforms: Introduction of 'Mausamgram' for localized weather forecasts.
• Training and Awareness: Over 7,300 farmer awareness programs conducted to promote climate-resilient agriculture.

Collaborative Efforts and Policies

• Partnerships: Collaboration with various ministries, including Panchayati Raj for localized weather services.
• MoUs for Infrastructure Development: Agreements signed to enhance observation networks in Uttar Pradesh, addressing severe weather events.

Regional Weather Services

• Regional Meteorological Centers (RMCs): 8 RMCs and 25 Meteorological Centers across India provide localized services.
• Services Offered: Forecasting for states/UTs including Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and others.

Conclusion

Mission Mausam is a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving India's weather forecasting capabilities and disaster management through advanced technology, collaboration, and public engagement. The focus on high-resolution data and AI integration signifies a modern approach to meteorology in the context of climate change and disaster preparedness.