IITM–Isro tie-up to improve forecast accuracy using satellite & ground data

Pune: A collaboration between Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Space Applications Centre of the Isro aims to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts by combining satellite observations with ground-based measurements.The agreement focuses on integrating data from satellites and in-situ systems to better estimate cloud characteristics, rainfall, air pollution and atmospheric conditions, while also strengthening understanding of processes such as aerosol–cloud interactions, lightning and extreme weather events. The partnership includes real-time data sharing, validation of satellite products and development of new technologies.Explaining the core idea behind the collaboration, IITM scientist Dr Anant Parekh said, "Satellite observations and ground observations each have their own advantages and limitations. In-situ measurements are more accurate but limited in coverage, while satellites provide wider coverage but may be less precise. If we use these together, both accuracy and coverage can improve."He said combining datasets could help reduce errors in weather alerts. "For example, both satellite systems and ground networks detect lightning, but each may sometimes miss lightning detection. Using both platforms together can minimise such errors and serve society better."Parekh said satellite data might improve air quality tracking. "Right now, air quality measurements are mostly confined to locations where ground stations are installed. But satellites can provide information across the entire country. If we combine in-situ data, which is more accurate, with satellite data, which gives wider coverage, we can improve the accuracy and get a broader picture of air quality," he said.The integration is expected to improve how weather models perform. "If you know the current state of atmosphere as accurately as possible, your predictions improve. Satellite data helps to improve the initial conditions used as input for models to predict the weather. This leads to better forecasts," he said.He said satellites could fill critical observation gaps where ground infrastructure was limited. "Installing and maintaining ground base observations throughout the country is a challenging task, whereas satellites provide data across the country. When we combine both the data sets, it gives us a detailed and broad picture of the country's climate."Officials said the collaboration would also support research into monsoon processes, including the role of land conditions such as soil moisture, which satellites can monitor at a large scale.
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