India Meteorological Department (IMD) is revolutionizing weather forecasting by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning into its operations. According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, the organization is leveraging AI to enhance models and techniques, with plans for significant advancements in the next five years. The IMD has already digitized weather records dating back to 1901, utilizing this data to gain insights into weather patterns through AI.
By deploying a network of 39 doppler weather radars covering 85% of the country, IMD can now provide hourly forecasts for major cities. These radars enable the detection and simulation of convective clouds, improving forecast accuracy for events like heavy rainfall and cyclones significantly. Mohapatra emphasized the complementary nature of AI and numerical forecasting models, highlighting their synergistic potential to enhance forecast accuracy.
One of IMD’s key objectives is to provide hyper-localized forecasts at the Panchayat or village level. Tailoring weather information to specific sectors such as agriculture, health, urban planning, hydrology, and environment is crucial for fulfilling this goal. With AI and machine learning, IMD aims to extract valuable insights from past data, enhancing forecasting accuracy without solely relying on traditional physics-based models.
Acknowledging challenges in delivering village-level predictions for specific hazards, IMD is working towards improving its capabilities in mesoscale weather forecasting at the local level. Mohapatra stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making in today’s information-rich environment, where AI and machine learning play a vital role in enhancing forecast accuracy.
As climate change continues to impact weather predictability, IMD remains proactive in addressing emerging mesoscale phenomena like convective clouds. The strategic deployment of advanced Doppler weather radars across the country, with a remarkable resolution of 350 meters per pixel, underscores IMD’s commitment to staying ahead of extreme weather events.
In conclusion, IMD’s integration of AI and machine learning represents a significant leap forward in weather forecasting capabilities. By harnessing the power of data-driven technologies, IMD is poised to deliver more accurate and localized forecasts while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
