The India Meteorological Department celebrates 150 years of lifesaving weather forecasting amidst heavy Mumbai rains

As reports state that Mumbai will likely witness more rainfall today, the IMD revealed that it is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Established in 1875, the IMD has been a cornerstone in safeguarding lives through early alerts and has evolved into a leading meteorological agency in the region. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the IMD’s long-standing history and its critical role in weather prediction in India.

Overview of the IMD’s founding and its original mission 

RA Singh, retired joint director, Education Department and geographer, tells indianexpress.com, “The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875, during the British colonial era, to provide a systematic approach to weather observation and forecasting across the Indian subcontinent.” 

At the time, agriculture, shipping, and trade were highly vulnerable to weather extremes, particularly cyclones and monsoon variability, making a centralised meteorological service essential. 

“Initially, the IMD’s mission focused on setting up weather observatories and improving monsoon forecasting, which is critical for India’s agrarian economy. These early observations were basic, relying on instruments such as barometers, thermometers, and anemometers, but they laid the foundation for modern meteorological science in the country,” he adds. 

Evolution of the IMD

Singh informs, “Over the past 150 years, the IMD has undergone significant technological and methodological evolution. From manual weather observations, the IMD has advanced to highly sophisticated numerical weather prediction models that use supercomputing to analyse massive amounts of atmospheric data. The integration of satellite technology, radar systems, and automated weather stations has vastly improved the accuracy of forecasts.”

He adds that the IMD is currently using INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, geostationary meteorological satellites that provide real-time data on various atmospheric parameters, such as cloud cover, temperature, humidity, and sea surface temperatures.

Most significant milestones or breakthroughs in the IMD’s history

Several key milestones have shaped the IMD’s journey toward becoming one of the world’s most reliable meteorological organisations, reveals Singh. “One of the earliest breakthroughs was the establishment of the Cyclone Warning Division in 1945. Cyclones are a recurring threat along India’s coastlines, and the division’s development was essential in providing more accurate predictions and timely warnings to safeguard lives and property.”

The launch of the INSAT series of satellites in the 1980s marked another turning point. These satellites enabled continuous observation of cloud formations, sea surface temperatures, and other weather phenomena. INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR enhanced the IMD’s ability to monitor extreme weather events and provide accurate long-term forecasts.

Singh states another milestone was “the introduction of the Doppler Weather Radar Network in the 2000s, which enabled more precise tracking of localised weather events such as thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes.” The 2014 Hudhud cyclone was a prime example of the IMD’s advanced forecasting ability, where accurate predictions helped prevent mass casualties along the east coast of India.

Pedestrians walk amidst rain, as IMD has sounded a red alert for Mumbai today, at Marine Lines in Mumbai. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

How has the IMD’s role expanded over the years?

In recent decades, Singh agrees that the IMD’s role has evolved from weather forecasting to becoming a critical player in disaster management, climate change monitoring, and international collaboration. “As climate change continues to impact global weather patterns, the IMD has taken a lead role in analysing long-term trends in monsoon behaviour, temperature anomalies, and sea-level rise.” 

On the international front, the IMD has expanded its role as a Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), providing tropical cyclone monitoring for the northern Indian Ocean under the umbrella of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Collaborations with the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the Japan Meteorological Agency have further enhanced the IMD’s forecasting capabilities, integrating global data into its NWP models.

Singh highlights, “The IMD works closely with India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide real-time weather alerts and early warning systems for natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, ensuring that vulnerable populations are better prepared to face extreme weather events.”

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