INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT (IMD)

Posted 15 Feb 2024

Updated 22 Mar 2024

4 min read

Why in the News?

India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated the 150^th Year of its establishment and service to India.

National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS): It is premised on the concept of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) launched by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- NFCS aims to set up a platform that will provide climate information and services helpful for agriculture, energy, disaster management, health and water sectors.
- NFCS would enable every individual and organisation to be climate-smart and hence improve the economy of the country.
Indigenously Developed Decision Support System
- About: A Web-GIS-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) known as Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES).
- Working: The WAFES serves as a visualization platform to analyse meteorological observations and prediction models, aiding decision-making for severe weather phenomena and their socio-economic impact.
- Components: DSS includes the Meteorological Information Communication System (MICS), Data Information Processing System (DIPS), Synthesized Integrated Visualization System (SIVS), and Public Weather Information System (PWIS).
- Target Areas: It provides real-time information for various sectors such as Urban, Power, Hydrology, Health, Energy, Agriculture, Transport and Tourism under the "UPHHEATT" initiative (for the cause of welfare).

Other initiatives Launched
- Panchayat Mausam Sewa Portal: To help farmers in planning their agricultural activities.
- IMD’s Mobile App: IMD launched an integrated GIS-based interactive mobile app MAUSAM for all weather-related services.

Observations

In 2023, WMO recognised three IMD observatories, viz., Dwarka & Veraval (Gujarat) and Cuttack (Odisha) as long-term observing stations for more than 100 years of hydrological observations.
39 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) well distributed across the country to monitor severe weather events (till 2023).
To support the Gati Shakti and Udaan Scheme, IMD has contributed significantly by ensuring safe aviation through Aviation Weather monitoring and forecasting for all 117 Airports.

Improvement in Forecast Accuracy

Significant improvement in forecast accuracy of severe weather events by 40-50% during the last 5 years.
A very high-resolution (400 metre) Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) integrated with a Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality has been developed, showing an accuracy of 88% for predicting extreme pollution events.
A new Multimodal ensemble technique for the forecast of tropical cyclones was introduced.

Communication System Networks

Website released for alerts on block-level weather forecasts and advisories for farmers, fisherfolk and livestock rearers.

Appreciation

Appreciations from the United Nations for early warning services provided by IMD during Super Cyclone Amphan in 2020 and Cyclone MOCHA in 2023.

Limited Weather Models: The IMD relies on weather models to make predictions. However, these models have limited capacity and are gradually being improved.
Data Interpretation: Forecasters need to analyze multiple satellite images, radar data, and hints from models to enhance accuracy.
- Sometimes, misinterpretation occurs leading to forecast errors.
Localized Extreme Weather Events: The IMD faces challenges in predicting cloudbursts, lightning events, and other localized extreme weather phenomena.
Tropical Climate: India's tropical climate makes it difficult to predict weather accurately.
- A complex monsoon season can make it difficult to predict weather.
Human Resource and Training: Recruitment, training, and retention of qualified personnel in meteorology can be a challenge, impacting the overall forecasting capabilities.

Enhanced Data Collection: Invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure to improve the accuracy and availability of climate data, including satellite observations, ground-based measurements, and ocean monitoring.
Global Collaboration: Foster international cooperation and collaboration in sharing data, technologies, and expertise to address regional variations and global climate challenges collectively.
Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence: Leverage advanced predictive analytics and artificial intelligence tools to enhance the precision of climate predictions and identify patterns in complex climate systems.
Early Warning Systems: Develop and implement robust early warning systems to effectively communicate and mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, especially in vulnerable regions.
Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of meteorological agencies and institutions through training programs, knowledge sharing, and skill development to enhance their ability to monitor and predict climate trends.