IMD plans to install new doppler radar in Aurangabad

Doppler weather radars are remote sensing instruments which can help in determining rain, storms, thunderstorms, lightning and their intensity as well as tracking cyclones.

At Mhaismal, the weather bureau is planning to set up a C–band radar to detect and track rain and cyclones, over a span of 400 km. According to IMD officials, the plan to install the mechanism in Aurangabad was conjured up owing to Marathwada region being prone to thunderstorm and lightning.

Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai, told The Indian Express, “With installation of this radar, we will be able to gauge the rain patterns, thunderstorms, lightning as well as track cyclones and how they are changing patterns. These radars can determine the types of clouds, direction and their moisture levels, which can aid in issuing accurate forecasts during the thunderstorms.”

Kamble said the process to lock in the final locations for the radar system is in its final stage, after which the process to build the technology will begin. While a C-band doppler radar, which covers a range of 400 km, is slated to be installed at the upcoming location, Mumbai is home to S-band radars which have a range of upto 500 km. In the city, IMD has set up S-band radars at Veravali as well as Santacruz.

Meanwhile, for the existing S-band radars of Mumbai city, the weather bureau has also appointed an agency to overlook all its operations and maintenance for the next five years.

IMD officials said, “While we had been maintaining the radars ourselves, in cases of breakdown, repairs would be delayed as we do not have the expertise to repair the machinery. Therefore, we have now appointed an agency that will maintain and repair the system.”

Heatwave fears fade as temperatures drop

After two consecutive days of scorching heat, Mumbai was relieved on Friday, as maximum temperatures dropped to 35.4 degrees, quashing fears of a possible heatwave in the city. On Thursday, the hottest day of the season, mercury soared to 38.8 degree Celsius, indicating a rise of six degrees above normal.

As per IMD scientists, the city had been reeling under above normal temperatures owing to the presence of an easterly trough, which was delaying the influx of westerly winds. “When westerly winds set in late, temperatures shoot up. Today westerlies from the sea arrived early and therefore, temperatures remained between 34 and 35 degrees,” said the IMD Mumbai director.

While Mumbai has been registering over 38 degrees Celcius in the past two days, the Santacruz observatory, on Friday, recorded a maximum temperature of 35.4 degree Celsius.