The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, July 1, 2025 – India is fast-tracking the modernization of its weather forecasting capabilities to match the world’s best standards, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Meteorology, during a press briefing in the national capital today. The initiative, spearheaded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘Mission Mausam’, aims to strengthen real-time forecasting and early warning systems amid increasing instances of extreme weather events.
Addressing the media in the wake of two days of heavy rainfall and flash floods across various parts of the country, Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing climate resilience through science and technology.
Dr. Singh highlighted that Automated Weather Stations (AWS) and Doppler Weather Radars are being rapidly deployed across vulnerable regions to support localized and accurate forecasts. “We are now offering multi-tiered forecasts, including Long Range (30-day outlook), Short Range (3-day forecast), and Nowcast (3-hour predictions),” he explained.
While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of cloudbursts, Dr. Singh said that advancements in forecasting tools are helping reduce uncertainties. “We may not always predict the exact location or time of a sudden event like a cloudburst, but our models are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” he added.
Dr. Singh also cited the widespread public trust in the India Meteorological Department (IMD), noting how in cities like Mumbai, daily weather updates from IMD—now available via WhatsApp—have become an essential part of people’s morning routines.
“For many, deciding whether to carry an umbrella depends on IMD’s real-time forecast,” he said with a smile. He also noted the increasing use of dedicated weather apps for farmers, helping them plan sowing and harvesting cycles more efficiently.
Despite enhanced forecasting accuracy, Dr. Singh cautioned that the extent of damage from rainfall or flash floods depends largely on local geographical and infrastructural vulnerabilities. “Two areas receiving similar rainfall may witness very different outcomes based on their terrain, drainage capacity, and population density,” he explained.
In a sign of India’s growing credibility in meteorological services, Dr. Singh confirmed that neighboring countries are also utilizing IMD’s forecast data, reflecting international confidence in India’s systems.
The Minister also made a special mention of Shimla’s IMD center, one of the oldest forecasting units in the country, and an important hub for the northern Himalayan region’s climate monitoring.
With “Mission Mausam” gathering momentum, India is positioning itself not just to predict the weather—but to protect lives and livelihoods with precision, science, and innovation.
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