Image Source: PIB

India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network, growing from 14 operational units in 2014 to 50 today—an increase of over 250%. This expanded coverage now monitors more than 87% of the country, greatly enhancing the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) ability to forecast extreme weather events like cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. The government’s "Mission Mausam" aims to add another 50 radar units, further strengthening the nation’s weather monitoring infrastructure.

Advancements in Forecasting Technology

The new radars use advanced Doppler technology and dual-polarization, improving the detection of weather systems and providing more accurate rainfall predictions. These innovations help reduce false alerts and offer more reliable forecasting. The introduction of 'Nowcast' services, providing highly localized, short-term forecasts, is also a breakthrough in real-time weather information for disaster preparedness, urban planning, and daily decision-making.