The India Meteorological Department (IMD): An Overview

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, has evolved significantly and symbolizes India's scientific advancement in weather forecasting. With its 150th anniversary, its role in predicting short- and long-term weather patterns and providing early warnings for adverse events is crucial across various sectors.

Role and Impact of IMD

• Weather forecasting is vital in sectors such as: 
  • Agriculture
  • Transport (road, rail, air)
  • Energy management from power plants
  • Tourism
• IMD provides critical data like: 
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Global horizontal irradiance forecasts
  • Historical temperature data for site selection, especially for solar and wind power plants

Achievements in Forecasting

• Accuracy in cyclone forecasts improved from 20% in the early 2000s to over 80% by 2020, particularly in predicting landfall points and timing.
• Probabilistic forecasts offer a lead time of four to five days for extreme weather events, enhancing disaster management.
• Technological advancements include: 
  • Automatic weather stations and rain gauge instrumentation
  • Doppler radars
  • Observatories

Vision for the Future

• The IMD Vision Document 2047 aims for a weather-ready and climate-smart nation, targeting goals like: 
  • 100% detection of severe weather at village and household levels
  • Zero error in forecasts up to three days
  • 90% accuracy for five-day forecasts
  • 80% accuracy for seven-day forecasts
  • 70% accuracy for ten-day forecasts
• Mission Mausam aims to enhance: 
  • Weather surveillance and modeling
  • Forecasting and weather modification
  • Infrastructure with a 2,000 crore budget over two years
  • Installation of Doppler weather-radars, radiometers, wind profilers, and cloud chambers

Challenges

• Deterministic forecasts for long-term monsoon patterns and extreme rainfall events.
• Climate change and urbanization present new vulnerabilities requiring innovative solutions.