Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata to Get Cutting-Edge Urban Radar Networks for Superior Weather Forecasting

Why Urban Radar is Important

Mayhem caused by recent rains, as every year, creates havoc in major metros given the mammoth traffic movement in these cities. The installation of urban radar networks in Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata is crucial for enhancing weather forecasting capabilities. This initiative aims to make these cities more weather-ready and climate-smart, thereby improving public safety and preparedness for extreme weather events.

X-band radars emit short pulses of electromagnetic waves into the atmosphere. These waves have smaller wavelengths, typically around 2.5 to 4 cm, making them highly sensitive to small precipitation particles like raindrops, snowflakes, and hail. Due to their shorter wavelengths, X-band radars can provide high-resolution images of weather patterns.

X-band radars are capable of real-time monitoring, which is essential for issuing timely weather warnings and forecasts. This helps in better preparedness and response to severe weather events.

Key Facts and Figures

• Cities Involved: Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata

• Technology: X-band weather radars

• Coverage Area: Nearly 50,000 sq km as used in Mumbai

• Budget: ₹2,000 crore for Mission Mausam

• Number of Radars: 50 doppler weather radars planned across India

How It Happened

Union Cabinet of India approved 'Mission Mausam' on Sept 11, 2024. As part of this mission, the Ministry of Earth Sciences launched four X-band weather radars in Mumbai last month. This mission aims to enhance weather forecasting services across India with advanced technology. Following Mumbai’s successful implementation, similar networks will be extended to Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata within the next year.

What to Change

To further improve weather forecasting, it is essential to:

1. Expand the radar network to more cities.

2. Integrate real-time data from various sources.

3. Increase public awareness and education on using weather forecasts effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Urban radar networks significantly enhance weather forecasting accuracy.

• Advanced technology like X-band weather radars can detect extreme weather conditions in real-time.

• Mission Mausam is a significant step towards making Indian cities more resilient to climate change.

Abbreviations

• X-band: A segment of the microwave radio region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

• IMD: India Meteorological Department

Key Terms Used

• Doppler Weather Radar: A radar tracking system that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of objects.

• Mission Mausam: An initiative by the Indian government to improve weather forecasting and climate resilience.

This article was published on Economic Times on October 2, 2024.