In a high-level meeting addressing public concerns during the ongoing monsoon season, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a significant upgrade to Delhi’s weather and rain forecasting system. A high-performance computing (HPC) system with a capacity of 20 petaflops will be installed to enhance forecasting accuracy.
Dr. Singh emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to empower farmers, fishermen, and the general public with advanced weather forecasting systems. He assured efforts to make the forecast system user-friendly, aiming to ensure convenience and mitigate economic fallout from unexpected weather changes.
Currently, Delhi has 17 Automatic Weather Forecast Centers, and the Minister directed the installation of 50 more systems, to reach 100 to match world standards. These systems will provide precise and timely forecasts.
Dr. Singh reviewed the nationwide upgrade of weather forecasting systems, revealing plans to install three radars and 180 automatic weather forecasting systems in Delhi NCR. Similar upgrades are planned for other major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to enhance its prediction models with advanced technology and long-period average (LPA) data. The minister highlighted IMD’s role in disaster risk reduction by sharing data with district authorities, armed forces, and disaster management agencies.
Dr. Singh also mentioned the benefits of the new space and geospatial policies, and the recently launched Geoportals, which could significantly impact weather forecasting. He acknowledged the critical role of forecasting and early warning systems in benefiting fishermen and emphasized their broader societal importance.
