Resource Person/ Facilitator:
Prof. V A Kadam (Online invitation through mail)

Summary:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), headquartered in Pune, is one of the premier national institutions responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster management in India. As an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IMD plays a crucial role in providing timely and accurate weather information, including short-term and long-term forecasts, cyclonic warnings, and data related to climate change.

IMD is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including weather stations, satellites, and advanced computational systems, to track atmospheric conditions, monitor climate trends, and issue early warnings for natural disasters. These capabilities are vital for protecting lives and livelihoods, particularly in the face of extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts.

The purpose of this site visit was to explore IMD Pune’s operations and understand its role in meteorology, weather forecasting, climate change monitoring, and disaster management. The visit also aimed to evaluate the department’s technological advancements and research efforts, as well as its collaboration with national and international meteorological organizations. By gaining deeper insights into the functioning of IMD, the visit aimed to highlight the department’s contributions to public safety, policy-making, and scientific advancements in meteorology.

Objective/Purpose:

Objective of the Visit: The primary objective of the site visit to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, was to:

1. Gain an understanding of IMD Pune’s meteorological infrastructure, technologies, and data collection methods.
2. Evaluate the role of the IMD in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster management at the regional level.
3. Explore the integration of advanced tools and technologies for weather prediction, including satellite data, weather radar systems, and high-performance computing.
4. Assess IMD’s collaboration with other national and international meteorological agencies and research institutions.
5. Understand IMD’s contribution to public awareness, climate change monitoring, and early warning systems for severe weather events.

Outcomes:

Outcome of the Visit:

The visit provided detailed insights into the operations and technological capabilities of the IMD Pune, highlighting the significance of its role in meteorology, disaster management, and climate research. Key outcomes of the visit include:

A. Meteorological Infrastructure and Technology:

1. Weather Monitoring Stations: IMD Pune operates a network of advanced weather stations that provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall. These stations are strategically placed across the region to ensure accurate and comprehensive weather monitoring.
2. Radar and Satellite Data: The department utilizes weather radar systems and satellite-based technologies to track weather patterns, monitor cyclones, and observe atmospheric conditions. This satellite data enhances the precision of weather predictions and storm tracking.
3. Computational Systems: IMD Pune employs high-performance computing systems for running numerical weather prediction models. These models allow for accurate forecasting and long-term climate trend analysis.

B. Weather Forecasting and Climate Monitoring:

1. Weather Forecasting Models: The department utilizes advanced weather prediction models to forecast weather conditions over short and long timeframes. IMD Pune has significantly improved its forecasting accuracy through the use of global and regional models.
2. Climate Monitoring: IMD Pune plays an essential role in tracking long-term climate trends and patterns, helping in the study of regional and national climate variability, such as monsoon patterns and temperature shifts.
3. Extreme Weather Events: The department monitors and provides early warnings for extreme weather events, including cyclones, heavy rainfall, and droughts. IMD Pune has developed a robust system for providing timely alerts, contributing to disaster preparedness efforts.

C. Disaster Management and Public Safety:

1. IMD Pune collaborates with national disaster management agencies, local governments, and community organizations to issue early warnings and provide information that helps mitigate the impacts of severe weather events.
2. The department has been instrumental in preparing for natural disasters such as cyclones and floods by providing timely updates and forecasts that allow for evacuation and safety measures to be put in place.
3. Public communication and outreach programs are conducted to raise awareness about weather hazards and preparedness strategies.

D. Research and Development:

1. IMD Pune is actively involved in meteorological research, focusing on improving weather forecasting accuracy, studying the impact of climate change, and developing new methodologies for analyzing weather patterns.
2. The department is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve forecasting models and disaster prediction capabilities.

E. Collaboration with National and International Organizations:

1. IMD Pune works closely with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and various academic institutions to share data, improve forecasting techniques, and contribute to global climate research.
2. The collaboration with international meteorological centers strengthens the IMD’s ability to provide accurate and timely weather predictions and disaster alerts.