India’s Doppler Weather Radar Network Expands Significantly, Ushering in an Era of Precision Weather Forecasting

India has made remarkable strides in strengthening its weather monitoring capabilities, with the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network growing from 14 operational units in 2014 to 50 today. This represents an increase of over 250 percent and provides coverage to more than 87 percent of the country’s geographical area. The expansion has substantially improved the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts for cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather events.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, highlighted these developments while inaugurating a unique “Selfie Point” featuring a legacy weather radar at the entrance of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters in Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The event was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr M. Ravichandran, and Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with senior officials and scientists.

Image from DD News

Transformation in Meteorological Services

Over the past decade, India’s meteorological infrastructure has undergone a profound transformation. Weather forecasting, once often met with scepticism, has evolved into a reliable and essential service integrated into daily life. Citizens from diverse sectors — including farmers, homemakers, pilots, and event planners — now routinely check real-time updates through mobile applications before planning their activities.

Dr Jitendra Singh noted that this shift reflects growing public trust in IMD services. The department now delivers “micro-precision” forecasts that provide detailed insights into rainfall intensity, precipitation type (such as rain, hail, or drizzle), the possibility of hailstorms, and even raindrop size. The introduction of ‘Nowcast’ services offers highly localised predictions valid for the next three hours, proving invaluable for disaster preparedness, urban planning, and everyday decision-making.

Role of Doppler Weather Radars

Doppler Weather Radars form the backbone of this enhanced system. These advanced instruments use the Doppler effect to detect the movement and velocity of weather systems in real time. Modern units equipped with dual-polarization technology further refine capabilities by accurately distinguishing precipitation types, improving rainfall estimation, and reducing false alarms for severe weather.

The expanded network enables continuous monitoring over vast areas and supports early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and other hazards. It also contributes to safer aviation operations, more effective agricultural planning, and stronger disaster risk reduction efforts. India’s improved forecasting has begun benefiting neighbouring countries through shared early warnings, reinforcing regional cooperation in weather and climate services.

Mission Mausam: A Forward-Looking Initiative

To build on this progress, the government has launched Mission Mausam, an ambitious programme aimed at making India weather-ready and climate-smart. The mission plans to install around 50 additional Doppler radars in the coming phase, with a long-term target of significantly expanding the network to achieve near-complete national coverage. Priority is being given to vulnerable regions, including Jammu and Kashmir and other areas prone to extreme weather.

The initiative integrates next-generation radars, advanced satellites, high-performance computing, and AI-driven models. These tools are expected to further enhance hyper-local forecasts and impact-based warnings, helping mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce losses from weather-related disasters.

Public Engagement and Awareness

The newly inaugurated Selfie Point at IMD headquarters serves as more than a visual landmark. It showcases a legacy radar system and aims to raise public awareness about meteorological science. By connecting visitors directly with the technology behind weather services, the installation encourages greater engagement through IMD’s mobile apps, SMS alerts, and social media platforms.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that bridging the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding is crucial. Such efforts empower citizens to make informed decisions based on accurate and accessible weather information.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s rapid expansion of the Doppler Weather Radar network reflects a decisive shift toward building a more reliable and technology-driven forecasting system that directly impacts everyday life. The sharp rise in coverage and accuracy has transformed weather services from a once uncertain utility into a trusted, data-backed resource used across sectors. The growing integration of real-time updates and hyper-local “Nowcast” predictions highlights how meteorological advancements are no longer confined to scientific institutions but have become embedded in routine decision-making for citizens, agriculture, aviation, and disaster preparedness.

At the same time, initiatives like Mission Mausam signal a forward-looking approach that goes beyond infrastructure expansion to include AI-driven forecasting, advanced satellites, and high-performance computing. This evolution not only strengthens India’s ability to respond to extreme weather events but also positions it as a regional contributor through shared early warning systems. Increased public engagement efforts further indicate that the focus is not just on technological progress but also on ensuring accessibility and awareness, creating a more informed and climate-resilient society.

(Sources: DD News, PIB)