IMD Lucknow upgraded to regional Met Centre for UP, Uttarakhand

Lucknow: The India Meteorological Department’ ‘s (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Lucknow was upgraded to a Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Monday.

Union minister of state (independent charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the upgraded facility in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

The new RMC will cater to the meteorological needs of both Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Uttarakhand, strengthening weather monitoring, forecasting and warning dissemination across the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Himalayan region.

Officials said the move would improve local-level forecasting and enhance preparedness for extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Addressing the gathering, Jitendra Singh said India’ ‘s weather forecasting infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade, making forecasts more precise and useful.

“Weather forecasting has moved from broad regional predictions to highly localised and impact-based services. People can now access reliable weather information hours in advance, helping them plan and prepare better,” ,” he said.

The minister said India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) in 2014, compared with 50 at present. Another 50 radars are proposed under Mission Mausam over the next two years.

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’ ‘s (UP) progress, the minister said that the UP had just one Doppler radar in 2014. It now has three operational radars, while six more are being commissioned. The number of Automatic Weather Stations has increased from 59 to 107, Automatic Rain Gauges from 132 to 140, and lightning sensors from none to seven. Weather services are also being provided at 11 airports in the state.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the IMD, said, “ “The RMC will strengthen weather monitoring across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, improve impact-based forecasting and provide better support to disaster management agencies. Farmers, too, will benefit from more reliable weather advisories for sowing, irrigation and harvesting operations.” .”

IMD, Lucknow, director, MR Ranalkar, was also present on the occasion.