Pune Weather : India Meteorological Department to install state-of-the-art radar in Pune for accurate weather predictions
Pune: In a major development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that a state-of-the-art radar will be installed in Pune in the next two years. The new device will enable Pune residents to know the intensity of cyclones several hours in advance, as well as accurately predict strong winds, heavy to very heavy rain, and thunder. The radar is expected to become operational during the monsoon season of 2025.
The IMD has revealed that five radars of this type will be installed across the country, with the tender process for their installation already underway. Currently, the only meteorological radar in the state of Maharashtra is located in Mumbai. The device is mainly used to predict the intensity of cyclones a few hours in advance, estimating the potential impact accordingly. The IMD has now submitted a similar radar proposal to the Ministry of Earth Sciences for installation in Pune, which has been approved, and the tender process has been initiated by the head of IMD, Krishnanand Hosalikar.
Dr. Hosalikar explained, “The radar has been planned for five years, and this proposal has been accepted. A separate demand should be made for this radar.”Â
The new radar will have an eye up to 100 km and will benefit the areas of Nagar, Nashik, Satara, Raigad, and Ghatmatha (ghat areas). It will predict drastic changes in the weather several hours in advance, including stormy winds, rain with thunder, heavy to very heavy rain, lightning, and the intensity and amount of rain that is expected to fall.
The installation of the new radar will require at least one year, with technical matters needing to be finalized. The primary issue at present is the location for installation. The IMD has two to three potential sites, but their feasibility needs to be checked. If these locations are unsuitable, alternative sites will need to be considered.
Dr. Hosalikar stated that “It will have to be made as per requirement. Also, the state government or the municipal corporation has to request a place.”
