India Unveils Bharat Forecasting System: World's Most Precise Weather Model
- MGMMTeam
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
On May 26, 2025, India launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), a groundbreaking weather prediction model boasting the highest spatial resolution globally at 6 kilometers. Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, this indigenously crafted system aims to revolutionize weather forecasting by providing highly localized and accurate predictions, crucial for a country frequently impacted by diverse climatic events.
A Leap in Forecasting Precision
The BFS enhances India's weather prediction capabilities by doubling the resolution from the previous 12 km to 6 km. This improvement allows for more detailed forecasts, enabling predictions at the village and panchayat levels. Such granularity is vital for timely warnings and effective disaster management, especially in regions prone to extreme weather events.
The system has demonstrated a 64% improvement in rainfall prediction accuracy within the core monsoon regions and a 30% enhancement in forecasting extreme rainfall events. These advancements are expected to significantly benefit sectors like agriculture, water resource management, and urban planning.
Powered by Supercomputing Excellence
Central to the BFS's capabilities is the supercomputer 'Arka,' installed at IITM in 2024. With a computational capacity of 11.77 petaflops and storage of 33 petabytes, Arka enables rapid processing of complex weather models. Compared to its predecessor 'Pratyush,' which required up to 10 hours for model runs, Arka completes the same tasks in approximately 4 hours, facilitating quicker dissemination of forecasts.
Implications Across Sectors
The BFS's high-resolution forecasts are poised to transform various sectors:
Agriculture: Farmers can access precise weather information, aiding in crop planning and reducing losses due to unforeseen weather changes.
Disaster Management: Enhanced prediction of cyclones and heavy rainfall events allows for better preparedness and response strategies.
Urban Planning: City administrations can utilize detailed forecasts for infrastructure planning and emergency services deployment.
Defense and Aviation: Improved weather models assist in mission planning and operational safety.
A Milestone in 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'
The development of the BFS aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, emphasizing self-reliance in critical technologies. By creating a state-of-the-art weather forecasting system domestically, India not only enhances its scientific capabilities but also reduces dependence on foreign models.
Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the BFS as a significant achievement, stating that it marks a major leap in the country's weather prediction infrastructure and places India among global leaders in meteorology.
Conclusion
The launch of the Bharat Forecasting System marks a watershed moment in India's scientific and technological advancement. By achieving the world’s highest-resolution weather forecasting capabilities, India is now positioned at the forefront of global meteorological research. The BFS not only represents a major stride in climate resilience and disaster preparedness but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to scientific innovation and self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. As climate uncertainties intensify worldwide, such forward-looking systems will be indispensable tools in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
(Sources: NDTV, Business Today, India Today)
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