India has significantly strengthened its weather forecasting capabilities, with the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network expanding from 14 units in 2014 to 50 currently – an increase of over 250 per cent, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday.
Addressing the media after inaugurating a weather radar-themed selfie point at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters in New Delhi, the minister said the expanded network now covers more than 87 per cent of the country, significantly improving forecasts for cyclones, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms. He added that 50 more Doppler radars are planned under the government’s Mission Mausam initiative.
Singh highlighted that India’s meteorological services have undergone a major transformation over the past decade, evolving from a system once viewed with scepticism to one that delivers highly reliable and precise forecasts. “Weather forecasting has now become a way of life,” he said, noting that people increasingly rely on real-time updates through mobile applications before making daily decisions.
He pointed to the growing use of ‘Nowcast’ services, which provide highly localised forecasts for up to three hours ahead, enabling better disaster preparedness, urban planning, and routine activities. According to the minister, forecasting in India has reached a stage of “micro-precision,” offering detailed information on rainfall intensity, precipitation type, hailstorms, and even raindrop size.
Explaining the technology behind the system, Singh said Doppler Weather Radars use the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of weather systems. The latest dual-polarisation radars can accurately distinguish between rain, hail, and drizzle, improving rainfall estimation and reducing false alarms.
The expanded radar network allows continuous atmospheric monitoring across large areas and plays a key role in issuing early warnings for extreme weather events. It also supports sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and disaster management.
Singh noted that India’s improved forecasting capabilities are also benefiting neighbouring countries, reflecting its commitment to regional cooperation in weather and climate services.
The minister also highlighted recent efforts to strengthen infrastructure in vulnerable regions, including installations in Jammu and Kashmir following extreme weather events. He said initiatives like Mission Mausam aim to further enhance forecasting accuracy and climate resilience.
The newly inaugurated selfie point at the IMD headquarters showcases a legacy radar system and is intended to raise public awareness about weather science. Singh said such initiatives would help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding, encouraging citizens to make better use of weather information in their daily lives.
