New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to launch Phase II of its flagship program, Mission Mausam, with the installation of 200 automatic weather stations (AWSs) across the country, along with significant upgrades to land and ocean observational systems. The initiative, announced on the occasion of IMD’s 151st Foundation Day on Thursday, aims to make India more weather-ready and climate-smart, enhancing both short-term and long-term weather forecasting capabilities.

Speaking at the event, Earth Sciences Ministry Secretary M. Ravichandran highlighted the importance of expanding observational networks, citing geopolitical and scientific considerations. “India needs to rapidly upgrade ocean observations because our seasonal predictions, particularly for the monsoon, are heavily dependent on ocean parameters,” he said. Currently, about 50% of India’s ocean data comes from the United States, underscoring the need for greater self-reliance and international collaboration in ocean monitoring.

The new AWSs will be strategically located in major urban centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. The first batch of 20 stations will be installed in Delhi this month, while the remaining stations will be gradually set up across the country. With India already home to roughly 1,000 AWSs, the addition of 200 more will significantly enhance the spatial resolution of meteorological data, especially for extreme weather events in cities.

Ravichandran explained that the increasing localization of rainfall necessitates denser observational networks. “Previously, rainfall could be uniform over a 100 km stretch, but now it can vary significantly over just 10 km. Soon, we will see events localized to even 1 km. To capture this, we need observations at much finer scales,” he said.

Strengthening Monsoon Forecasting

The IMD has made notable progress in monsoon forecasting over the past decade. According to Ravichandran, the error margin in seasonal monsoon predictions has decreased from 7% to 2%, largely due to improved ocean observations. He emphasized that deep ocean parameters, coastal radars, and automatic stations are critical for both medium- and long-term forecasting, as the ocean “has memory” that influences weather patterns over time.

Monsoon forecasting is particularly crucial for India’s economy. Nearly 51% of the country’s farmed area is rain-fed, accounting for 40% of agricultural production. Any improvement in predicting extreme rainfall or deficient monsoon conditions can have a direct impact on crop planning, water management, and disaster preparedness.

Upgrades from Phase I to Phase II

Mission Mausam Phase I focused on expanding the observational network and improving predictive models. During that phase, the IMD increased the number of radars to 46 and unveiled the Bharat Forecasting System—a high-resolution, 6 km numerical model capable of providing operational forecasts down to the panchayat level. This system has been instrumental in addressing extreme rainfall events and urban flood management.

Phase II will not only increase the number of AWSs but also enhance upper-air, oceanic, and coastal observations. Ravichandran noted the importance of incorporating aircraft and drone-based measurements to capture boundary layer data, which is essential for understanding tropical weather dynamics. “The forecast in tropical weather is not easy,” he said. “We need more observations to understand processes and model them better.”

While artificial intelligence (AI) models have shown promise in improving forecasts, Ravichandran cautioned against relying solely on AI. “AI has definitely improved forecasting, but observation remains critical. Without robust data from the ground, upper air, and ocean, models cannot achieve accuracy,” he said.

Focus on Extreme Weather Events and Urban Forecasting

The 200 new AWSs will primarily enhance the IMD’s capability to forecast extreme rainfall and other localized weather events in cities, which are increasingly vulnerable to urban flooding due to climate change and rapid urbanization. The denser network will enable high-resolution monitoring, allowing authorities to issue timely alerts and implement mitigation measures.

In addition to AWS expansion, Phase II will involve upgrading ocean monitoring systems. Coastal radars and deep ocean observation platforms will provide data essential for medium- and long-term forecasts, including monsoon predictions. Ravichandran emphasized that these oceanic parameters are vital because the tropical Indian Ocean plays a major role in shaping India’s seasonal climate patterns.

Looking Ahead

Mission Mausam Phase II represents a strategic leap toward a climate-resilient India. By enhancing the observational infrastructure on land, in the ocean, and through aerial and drone-based monitoring, the IMD aims to provide more accurate, timely, and localized weather forecasts. This initiative will not only support agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness but also reinforce India’s independence in meteorological data collection amid evolving geopolitical realities.

The first 20 AWSs in Delhi are expected to be operational this month, with the remaining stations rolled out over the next year. Once fully implemented, the network will significantly improve India’s capacity to track extreme weather, anticipate climate-related risks, and safeguard communities across the country.

In a country where rainfall can make or break the livelihood of millions, Mission Mausam Phase II is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s efforts to build a climate-smart, disaster-resilient future.