IMD strengthens weather forecasting network in J&K

Three Doppler radars operational

Srinagar, Dec 19: The weather monitoring in Jammu and Kashmir has been equipped with advanced monitoring and forecasting systems, with three Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) currently operational across the Union Territory, the Government of India said on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Doppler Weather Radars are functioning at Banihal Top, Jammu and Srinagar, which significantly amplify the real-time weather surveillance and early warning capabilities across Jammu as well as the Kashmir valley.

Under Mission Mausam, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is using next-generation forecasting models such as the Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS), which operates at a high spatial resolution of six kilometres and provides short to medium range rainfall forecasts up to ten days, informed the Ministry.

These forecasts are now generated at the panchayat and cluster-of-panchayat levels, proving beneficial to weather-sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

The government has also introduced a new system known as the Mithuna Forecast System– a new generation global coupled model integrating atmosphere, land, ocean and sea-ice components. This is being used to improve district-level forecasts for extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, snowfall, heatwaves and fog— a phenomenon frequently occurring in J&K.

The Ministry further stated that artificial intelligence and machine learning-based tools are now being integrated into the forecasting chain to enhance nowcasting and impact-based warnings. These systems help generate more reliable alerts for disasters such as flash floods, cloudbursts and avalanches, which are common in hilly and mountainous areas like Jammu and Kashmir.

To issue timely weather advisories, satellite-based monitoring, through INSAT platforms and real-time data from radar networks, is being used. These are then disseminated through IMD websites, mobile applications such as Meghdoot, Mausam and Damini, and other digital platforms.

The Government said that the expansion of weather forecasting infrastructure will continue to happen under Mission Mausam. It includes setting up additional radars to address the coverage gaps and further strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience in vulnerable regions, including Jammu and Kashmir.