Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow, a move aimed at strengthening weather forecasting and disaster preparedness across northern India.

The new centre will serve Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining regions by providing more localized weather monitoring, forecasting and early warning services. Officials said the facility will help improve preparedness for floods, heatwaves, thunderstorms, droughts and other extreme weather events.

India Plans To Expand Doppler Radar Network

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India's meteorological infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade. The country had 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014. That number has now increased to 50.

Under Mission Mausam, the government plans to install another 50 Doppler Weather Radars over the next two years. Officials said the expanded network will improve real-time weather monitoring and forecasting accuracy across the country.

The minister noted that weather forecasting services have evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localized and time-specific forecasts that can support citizens, farmers, disaster management agencies and the aviation sector.

Uttar Pradesh Records Major Infrastructure Growth

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Uttar Pradesh had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. The state now has three operational radars, while additional systems are being commissioned.

The number of Automatic Weather Stations has increased from 59 to 107. Automatic Rain Gauges have risen from 132 to 140, while lightning detection sensors have expanded from zero to seven. Aviation meteorological services are now available at 11 airports across the state.

Focus On Early Warnings And Public Safety

Officials said the Lucknow centre will support faster dissemination of weather advisories and impact-based forecasts. Dr. Singh urged citizens and local administrations to take weather warnings seriously and integrate forecast information into planning and decision-making.

The government said the new Regional Meteorological Centre represents an important step in strengthening India's weather and climate services while supporting public safety, agriculture, aviation and disaster risk reduction.