Accurate weather forecasting is crucial in India as the country grapples with the increasing frequency of floods and droughts. With a population of 1.4 billion, many of whom are impoverished, and being the world’s second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar, India heavily relies on reliable weather forecasts. To improve the quality of forecast data while reducing costs, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding its observation network.
The IMD currently provides forecasts based on mathematical models that utilize supercomputers. However, by incorporating AI into its climate models and advisories, the department aims to enhance the accuracy of its forecasts. K.S. Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD, explained that AI has already been utilized to generate public alerts regarding heatwaves and diseases like malaria. The department plans to further increase its weather observatories, which will provide data down to the village level. This expansion can potentially offer higher-resolution data for more precise forecasts.
Recognizing the potential benefits of AI, the Indian government has established a center dedicated to testing the integration of AI into traditional weather and climate forecasting models. Workshops and conferences will be held to explore this innovative approach further. Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, highlighted the advantage of AI models, noting that they do not require the high costs associated with running supercomputers and can be operated from standard desktop computers.
However, experts emphasize that high-resolution data is essential for AI models to reach their full potential. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, explained that without detailed and location-specific data, AI models cannot effectively enhance existing forecasts. Hence, the availability of accurate and comprehensive data will play a critical role in maximizing the benefits of AI in weather forecasting.
As India increases its investment in AI for weather forecasting, it aims to tackle the challenges posed by changing climate patterns. By leveraging advanced technologies and expanding observational capabilities, the IMD hopes to provide more accurate and timely forecasts, helping communities and farmers better prepare for extreme weather events. The integration of AI into traditional forecasting models represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of floods, droughts, and other weather-related disasters.
In conclusion, India is ramping up its use of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting to address the growing challenges posed by floods and droughts. The India Meteorological Department is developing AI-based climate models and advisories that have the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and quality of weather forecasts. By expanding its observation network and increasing the granularity of data, the department aims to provide higher-resolution information down to the village level. The integration of AI into traditional forecasting models marks an important milestone in India’s pursuit of more precise and effective weather predictions to protect its vast population and agricultural sector from the impacts of extreme weather conditions.
