Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Enhanced Weather Forecasts: IMD Director General

India’s weather forecasting capabilities are set to receive a major boost with the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

In a recent interview with PTI, Mohapatra revealed that the IMD is leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance weather forecasts and improve the accuracy of its numerical weather forecasting models. The use of these emerging technologies is expected to revolutionize the way weather predictions are made in the country.

One of the key initiatives undertaken by the IMD is the deployment of a network of 39 doppler weather radars that cover 85% of India’s landmass. These radars enable hourly forecasts for major cities and play a crucial role in predicting extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and cyclones.

Mohapatra emphasized the importance of harnessing AI and machine learning to extract valuable insights from past data and improve forecasting accuracy. By combining these technologies with traditional physics-based models, the IMD aims to provide hyper-localized forecasts tailored to specific sectors such as agriculture, health, urban planning, hydrology, and environment.

The IMD chief also highlighted the impact of climate change on weather predictability, noting the emergence of mesoscale phenomena that can have a significant impact on local communities. To address this challenge, the IMD has strategically deployed doppler weather radars with advanced resolution capabilities, enabling the detection and simulation of convective clouds for more accurate forecasts.

Overall, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into India’s weather forecasting systems is expected to enhance the country’s ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events, ultimately improving the resilience of communities across the nation.