India’s meteorological ecosystem is entering a decisive phase of expansion and technological consolidation, driven by sustained public investment and institutional reform.
The announcement of 200 new Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across four major metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune—marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards hyper-local, real-time weather forecasting.
Scheduled for deployment in 2026, with 50 AWS in each city, the initiative reflects a broader national effort to enhance forecast accuracy and strengthen disaster preparedness in densely populated urban environments.
The expansion was announced by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, during the 151st Foundation Day celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The timing underscored both continuity and momentum, linking more than a century and a half of institutional experience with a future-oriented vision of data-driven climate services.
Automatic weather stations and hyper-local forecasting
Automatic Weather Stations form the backbone of modern meteorology.
By continuously measuring parameters such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction and atmospheric pressure, AWS networks generate high-frequency data that enables forecasters to capture rapid weather changes.
The dense deployment planned in India’s largest cities is designed to produce granular, high-resolution spatial data, a critical requirement for predicting short-duration extreme events such as cloudbursts, urban flooding, heatwaves and intense thunderstorms.
Urban centres present complex forecasting challenges due to heat islands, built-up surfaces and microclimatic variations. A denser AWS network allows IMD to move beyond city-wide averages and deliver location-specific insights.
This capability directly enhances early warning systems and supports timely decision-making across sectors, including disaster management, aviation, transport, agriculture and public safety.
IMD at 151: An institution evolving with the nation
The 151st Foundation Day of IMD provided a moment to reflect on the institution’s historical evolution and its alignment with India’s administrative and scientific growth.
Established in the pre-Independence era, IMD’s journey has spanned multiple geographies—from the Northeast to Kolkata, Shimla, Pune and eventually New Delhi—mirroring the country’s own political and infrastructural transformation.
Over the decades, IMD has transitioned from manual observations to satellite-based monitoring, numerical weather prediction models and automated sensor networks.
The current phase builds on this legacy by integrating advanced computing, real-time data assimilation and indigenous technological innovation into everyday operations.
Measurable gains in forecast accuracy
India’s meteorological advances are reflected in measurable improvements in forecast accuracy.
According to official data highlighted during the Foundation Day event, overall forecast accuracy has improved by approximately 40 to 50 percent compared to earlier decades.
Cyclone track prediction accuracy has increased by nearly 35 to 40 percent, significantly enhancing lead times and evacuation planning in coastal regions.
Equally notable is the reduction in errors in monthly and seasonal forecasts, which have declined from around 7.5 percent to nearly 2.5 percent.
These gains are attributed to expanded observation networks, improved numerical models, enhanced satellite data and consistent institutional support over the past decade.
The improvements have translated into more reliable advisories for agriculture, water management and disaster risk reduction.
Mission Mausam and national priority
The launch of Mission Mausam by Prime Minister NarendraModi represents a strategic declaration of priority for advanced meteorological science and climate services.
By placing weather and climate forecasting within a mission-mode framework, the government has underscored its relevance to economic planning, infrastructure resilience and public welfare.
Mission Mausam complements IMD’s operational work by encouraging innovation, capacity building and integration across agencies.
It also signals long-term commitment, providing the policy stability required for sustained scientific advancement in a field that depends on continuous data collection and model refinement.
Expanding radar and observation infrastructure
Beyond AWS deployment, India has significantly expanded its meteorological infrastructure over the past decade.
The number of weather radars has nearly tripled, now covering close to 87 percent of the country’s geographical area. Doppler Weather Radars, capable of detecting precipitation intensity and wind patterns, have become central to monitoring severe weather events.
Additional networks include solar radiation monitoring systems, aerosol observation platforms, micro radiometers and rainfall measurement schemes that extend down to district and block levels.
These systems collectively enhance situational awareness and feed into forecast models that operate across multiple time scales, from ultra-short-range forecasts of up to three hours to seasonal outlooks.
Ultra-short-range forecasts and public engagement
One of the most visible outcomes of India’s meteorological advances is the availability of highly localised, ultra-short-range forecasts. These predictions, often covering windows as precise as three hours, allow citizens and authorities to make informed decisions in real time.
The growing public reliance on IMD’s advisories is evident in digital engagement patterns, including surges in website and app traffic during extreme weather or seismic events.
Such engagement reflects increasing public trust in official weather information.
IMD has responded by upgrading its digital infrastructure to handle rising demand, ensuring continuity of access during high-impact events.
Regional leadership in meteorological services
India’s enhanced forecasting capabilities have also strengthened its role as a regional provider of meteorological support.
The country now shares disaster-related weather information and satellite-based inputs with neighbouring nations, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
These efforts contribute to regional cooperation and collective resilience in a geography prone to cyclones, floods and extreme rainfall.
By extending its services beyond national borders, India positions itself as a trusted partner in South Asia’s disaster management ecosystem, leveraging scientific capacity for broader regional benefit.
Sustainability and indigenous innovation
IMD’s modernisation has been accompanied by a focus on sustainability and indigenous technology.
The department’s headquarters was among the first government buildings to transition fully to solar energy, aligning meteorological operations with national green energy priorities.
The shift has resulted in reduced electricity expenditure and surplus power contribution to the grid.
At the Foundation Day event, several new facilities were inaugurated, including a Model Observatory, a 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station and an Agro-Automatic Weather Station.
These installations reflect a growing emphasis on cost-effective, modular and locally developed technologies that enhance data quality while reducing dependence on imported systems.
Building capacity for the next phase
Looking ahead, proposals are underway to establish Centres of Excellence and additional Regional Meteorological Centres across the country.
These initiatives aim to further expand IMD’s reach, strengthen research–operations linkages and support specialised forecasting needs.
As IMD moves into its 152nd year, its expanding infrastructure, improved accuracy and rising public trust collectively reinforce its role as a cornerstone of India’s disaster preparedness and climate service framework.
The deployment of new Automatic Weather Stations in major cities represents not an isolated intervention, but part of a coherent national strategy to harness science and technology in the service of public safety and economic resilience.
