Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) are vital instruments for continuous weather monitoring and forecasting. They are used for both atmospheric research and operational forecasting over several decades. DWRs have significantly advanced weather prediction and nowcasting capabilities. They enable real-time observation of rainfall intensity, cloud structures, thunderstorms, lightning, and cyclonic systems, playing a crucial role in disaster preparedness and mitigation, particularly in regions prone to floods, heavy rainfall, lightning, and cyclones. At present, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates 39 DWRs across the country, functioning in X-, C-, and S-bands. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While such natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impact can be substantially reduced through timely and accurate forecasts and nowcasts. To enhance its observational infrastructure and forecasting capabilities, IMD has planned to expand its DWR network to 70 systems by 2025–2026. Additionally, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IMD aims to develop and deploy nine Wind Profilers to monitor vertical wind profiles, thereby improving the accuracy of severe weather predictions. These initiatives are part of IMD’s broader strategy to strengthen its forecasting system, improve early warning services, and support effective disaster risk reduction. This paper outlines the roadmap for augmenting observational infrastructure across India.

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Augmentation of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) Network for Improved Weather Prediction over India

  • Gajendra Kumar,
  • Jan Mohammad,
  • Arpita Rastogi,
  • Rohit Shukla

摘要

Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) are vital instruments for continuous weather monitoring and forecasting. They are used for both atmospheric research and operational forecasting over several decades. DWRs have significantly advanced weather prediction and nowcasting capabilities. They enable real-time observation of rainfall intensity, cloud structures, thunderstorms, lightning, and cyclonic systems, playing a crucial role in disaster preparedness and mitigation, particularly in regions prone to floods, heavy rainfall, lightning, and cyclones. At present, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates 39 DWRs across the country, functioning in X-, C-, and S-bands. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While such natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impact can be substantially reduced through timely and accurate forecasts and nowcasts. To enhance its observational infrastructure and forecasting capabilities, IMD has planned to expand its DWR network to 70 systems by 2025–2026. Additionally, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IMD aims to develop and deploy nine Wind Profilers to monitor vertical wind profiles, thereby improving the accuracy of severe weather predictions. These initiatives are part of IMD’s broader strategy to strengthen its forecasting system, improve early warning services, and support effective disaster risk reduction. This paper outlines the roadmap for augmenting observational infrastructure across India.