IMD Marks 150 Years with AI-Driven Weather Forecast Revolution
In celebration of its 150th year of operation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its weather forecasting capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and employing faster supercomputers. While grappling with challenges in predicting localized severe weather events, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra shared in an interview with PTI that the organization is establishing test beds in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
These test beds will serve as experimental platforms to deepen the understanding of physical processes leading to thunderstorms and heavy monsoon rains, with the ultimate goal of refining forecast accuracy.
The launch of 'Panchayat Mausam Seva' marks the commencement of IMD's 150th-anniversary celebrations. This initiative aims to democratize weather forecasts, extending them to every farmer in every village. Additionally, the National Framework for Climate Services will be introduced to seamlessly integrate climate information across sectors and activities.
Reflecting on the remarkable journey of the IMD, from issuing cyclone warnings in the late 19th century to present-day mobile phone nowcasts, Mohapatra underscored the organization's commitment to leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML). He emphasized, "AI is data science where we can utilize all this historical data to develop tools and methods for forecasting," highlighting the potential of tapping into data archives dating back to 1901.
To further their AI-ML initiatives, the IMD has formed an expert group and engaged in collaborations with prestigious institutions, including NITs, IITs, IIITs, and various academic and research and development institutions. This collaborative effort aims to jointly develop cutting-edge tools to enhance forecast accuracy and create sector-specific applications.
The integration of AI and ML technologies into weather forecasting represents a significant stride forward for the IMD, promising to usher in a new era of meteorological science. The anticipated improvements in forecast accuracy are expected to contribute not only to disaster preparedness and response but also to the overall understanding and management of weather-related phenomena.
