India’s Weather Radar Network to Double Under Mission Mausam: Jitendra Singh

Dr Singh said weather forecasting in India has evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localised and time-specific forecasts.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Monday inaugurated the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Minister said India's meteorological infrastructure has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, significantly improving the country's ability to provide accurate and location-specific weather forecasts.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh highlighted the rapid expansion of weather observation and forecasting systems that now serve citizens, farmers, disaster management agencies, aviation operators and tourists more effectively than before. He noted that India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with several states lacking any radar coverage. The network has since expanded to 50 operational radars. Under the Centre's Mission Mausam programme, another 50 Doppler Weather Radars are planned, which will take the national network close to 100 radars within the next two years. According to the Minister, this expansion will strengthen real-time weather monitoring and improve forecasting accuracy across the country.

Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand See Major Infrastructure Growth

Dr Singh said weather forecasting in India has evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localised and time-specific forecasts. Citizens can now access short-range forecasts covering the next few hours, helping communities prepare for changing weather conditions and extreme events. He described Uttar Pradesh as one of the country's most important regions for advanced meteorological services because of its diverse geography and vulnerability to floods, droughts, heatwaves, thunderstorms and other severe weather events.

The Minister pointed out that Uttar Pradesh had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. Today, three radars are operational, with additional systems being commissioned. The number of Automatic Weather Stations in the state has increased from 59 to 107, while Automatic Rain Gauge stations have risen from 132 to 140. Lightning sensors, which were absent a decade ago, now number seven across the state. Weather services are also supporting the expansion of aviation infrastructure. Meteorological facilities are currently operational at eleven airports in Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Singh also highlighted improvements in Uttarakhand, a state highly vulnerable to cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and avalanches. The Himalayan state previously had no Doppler Weather Radar but now has three operational systems, with more planned under Mission Mausam. Additional weather stations, airport observatories and lightning detection systems have also strengthened monitoring capabilities across the region.

Lucknow Centre to Strengthen Regional Forecasting and Disaster Preparedness

The newly designated Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow is expected to play a central role in improving weather services across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring areas. The facility will support more focused monitoring, forecasting and dissemination of weather information tailored to regional needs.

Dr Singh said plans are already being prepared for dedicated infrastructure at the centre, including advanced Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems with support from the state government. He emphasized that improved forecasting systems are helping reduce disaster risks by providing advance warnings for thunderstorms, lightning strikes, flash floods, avalanches and other extreme weather events. While forecasting accuracy has improved considerably, he stressed that the effectiveness of weather services depends on timely action by local authorities and public adherence to official advisories.

The Minister urged citizens, disaster management agencies and local administrations to make full use of real-time weather information and impact-based warnings available through digital platforms. He noted that weather advisories are now reaching districts, local bodies and Panchayats quickly, allowing them to integrate forecasts into planning and emergency response efforts. The launch of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Lucknow marks a significant step in strengthening India's weather and climate services network while enhancing public safety, disaster preparedness, agriculture support and aviation operations across northern India.