IMD inspecting Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) due to unusual high temperature recording | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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IMD inspecting Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) due to unusual high temperature recording

Posted 01 Jun 2024

2 min read

AWS has recorded 52.9 degree Celsius at Mungeshpur station in Delhi and 56 degrees Celsius at Ramdaspeth in Nagpur.

  • Nearby stations to these areas have recorded comparatively low temperatures and raise concern about wrong readings.

About AWS

  • Defined as a “meteorological station at which observations are made and transmitted automatically”.
  • The four sensors are used for normal AWS –Wind sensors, temperature humidity sensors, pressure sensors and rainfall sensors.
  • The air temperature is measured using an electrical resistance thermometer in degrees Celsius.
    • Electrical-resistance thermometers operate on the principle that electrical resistance varies with changes in temperature. 

Challenges with AWS

  • Beyond a certain temperature threshold, the accuracy of recordings becomes unreliable.
  • Improper calibration of the sensors.
  • Improper placement of AWS units on concrete structures and lack of regular maintenance.

Other heat measuring device

  • High temperature can be measured by placing a thermometer in a Stevenson Screen.
    • Stevenson Screen is  a wooden enclosure designed to shield meteorological instruments from precipitation and direct heat radiation while enabling free circulation of air around them.

 

About India Meteorological Department (IMD)

  • Established: in 1875.
  • About: Principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
    • It is one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • Headquarters:New Delhi  
    • It has six Regional Meteorological Centres.
  • Tags :
  • IMD
  • AWS
  • Automated Weather Stations
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