IMD to strengthen radar network over Maharashtra, plans new doppler units at Ratnagiri and Vengurla
With the radar observations, updated every 10 minutes, forecasters can follow the development of weather systems as well as their varying intensities, and accordingly predict weather events and their impact.
The modernisation and upgrade of existing radars are ongoing and the IMD plans to have a network of 55 doppler radars. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will install seven new doppler radars in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, this year.
Doppler radars of varying frequencies — S-band, C-band and X-band — are commonly used by the IMD to detect and track the movement of weather systems, cloud bands and gauge rainfall over its coverage area of about 500 km. The radars guide meteorologists, particularly in times of extreme weather events like cyclones and associated heavy rainfall.
With the radar observations, updated every 10 minutes, forecasters can follow the development of weather systems as well as their varying intensities, and accordingly predict weather events and their impact.
During the next couple of months, four X-band and one C-band radar will be deployed over Mumbai. “In addition, Ratnagiri will get a new C-band and Vengurla will get an X-band radar, each of which will operate for multiple purposes,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD.
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