Celebrating 150 Years of Excellence – A Journey of the India Meteorological Department

Team MyGov

January 13, 2025

As we stand at the threshold of a momentous milestone, it is with great pride and honour that I address you on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This is a time to celebrate our achievements, honour our legacy, and reaffirm our dedication to providing the nation with advanced meteorological services.

Founded on 15 January 1875, the IMD has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected meteorological organizations in the world. What started as a small initiative to address the recurring challenges of cyclones, droughts, and monsoons in colonial India has evolved into a dynamic institution, leveraging the latest in science and technology to meet the diverse needs of a modern, rapidly developing nation.

A Legacy Rooted in Service

The IMD’s journey began under the leadership of Henry Francis Blanford, who laid the foundation for systematic weather observation and forecasting in India. From establishing our first meteorological observatory to developing India’s first cyclone warning system, every step in our history has been driven by the vision of safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods.

Over the decades, we have played a critical role in responding to the unique meteorological challenges of our country. India’s vast geographical expanse, diverse climatic zones, and seasonal variations make meteorological forecasting a challenging task. Yet, we have risen to the occasion time and again—whether it was issuing timely warnings during cyclones, supporting agricultural planning through monsoon predictions, or aiding the armed forces during wartime operations.

Our Achievements

As we celebrate 150 years of IMD, it is essential to reflect on the milestones that have defined our journey:

1. Pioneering Weather Observations

From manual observations to the deployment of state-of-the-art Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Radiosonde & Radiowind instrument (RS/RW) and Doppler Weather Radars (DWR), IMD has been at the forefront of collecting reliable weather data. Today, our extensive network of observatories provides real-time data, forming the backbone of our forecasts and services.

2. Advances in Numerical Weather Prediction

The introduction of supercomputers and advanced numerical models have revolutionized weather prediction in India. We now provide accurate forecasts for up to 7 days with the outlook for 15 days, 1 month and a season in advance with a precision that not only saves lives during extreme weather events but also enables us to reduce losses and improve the socio-economic conditions.

3. Monsoon Predictions

India’s economy and food security are closely linked to the monsoon. Over the years, IMD has easily perfected the art of monsoon forecasting, blending statistical models with modern climate science to predict seasonal rainfall patterns since 1886. It has undergone many evolution, from simple correlation to the identification of precursors, statistical regression, dynamical modelling and finally multi-model ensemble techniques based on various global climate forecast system models since 2021.

4. Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation

IMD has been instrumental in reducing the impact of natural disasters through timely and accurate warnings. The successful prediction of cyclones like Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020), Tauktae (2021), Biparjoy (2023), and Dana (2024) has demonstrated our capabilities and the value of our services in saving lives and reducing economic losses. With the accurate cyclone warning by IMD, the number of deaths has reduced from 10,000 in 1999 to Zero in 2020-2024

5. Climate Change Monitoring

As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, IMD has taken a leading role in monitoring its impact on India’s weather patterns. We provide critical insights into the changing climate through initiatives like the State of the Climate in India Reports and collaboration with global climate organizations, climate forecasts and the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS).

6. Support to Aviation, Agriculture, and Other Sectors

Our specialized services for aviation, agriculture, energy, and water resource management have transformed these sectors. From flight safety to crop advisories, IMD’s role extends beyond weather forecasting to being a partner in progress.

7. Indigenous Development:

Decision Support System (DSS):

The Decision Support System (DSS) is a state-of-the-art, indigenously developed tool designed to assist in disaster management and planning. This system integrates real-time data from satellites, radars, and weather models to provide decision-makers with actionable insights during critical events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, Heat waves, Cold waves and thunderstorms. With features like GIS-based hazard mapping, impact-based forecasting, and scenario analysis, the DSS helps disaster managers to prioritize responses and mitigate risks effectively.

Impact Based Forecast (IBF):

The IBF and risk-based warning are being provided by IMD for all types of severe weather, including cyclones, Heat/ Cold waves and heavy rainfall at the district and city level since 2019.

8. Science Contribution:

IMD has made scientific innovations commencing with the discovery of the relationship between Himalayan Snow cover and the Indian monsoon, followed by–the identification – of various precursors across the globe for the prediction of the monsoon based southern oscillation index, tropical easterly jet, etc. Cyclone warning by IMD was one of the best innovations in independent India, among many others.

9. Make in India Initiative:

IMD has been the front runner of the development of Indigenous technology, commencing with indigenous RADAR in 1958, and Indian Satellite products in collaboration with ISRO since 1983. Automatic Weather Station since 2000, Doppler Weather Radar since 2010, Common Alerting Protocol since 2019, Impact based Forecast since 2019, Dynamic composite risk atlas since 2022.

IMD’s services in mainstream activities of govt. of India.

Provides health advisory in line with the National Health Mission.
Provides Air Quality Index in line with the National Clean Air Program.
Provides Aviation services to support PM’s UDAN
Provides forecasts related to renewable energy in line with the “National Solar Mission”.
Urban weather service in line with “Smart Cities Mission”.
Hydrometeorological services in support of mission “Jal Jeevan”.
Provides “Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva” to support various missions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to improve the income of farmers.
Provides marine weather services in line with deep ocean mission Blue Economy and Polar exploration.
Weather services to support mission “Gati Shakti”.
Tourism forecast to support “Dekho Apna Desh”.
Digitalisation of weather, climate information and forecast to support the Digital India Programme.

10. Public Outreach and Awareness

Through a combination of campaigns, mobile applications, user-friendly websites, and active social media engagement, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revolutionized the accessibility of weather information for millions of citizens. These efforts reflect the department’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology and digital platforms to serve the nation effectively.

Mobile Application:

IMD has developed a unified Mausam App, Meghdoot and Damini mobile applications to deliver real-time weather updates and alerts tailored to specific user needs.

Mausamgram:

The Mausamgram [https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/] portal, launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the vision “Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam” provides hyper-localized weather forecasts for any location in India. Offering hourly, 3-hourly, and 6-hourly updates for up to 10 days, it covers key parameters like rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and cloud cover. Users can access forecasts through various methods, including coordinate-based retrieval, location search, panchayat / block-wise selection, and pin code entry. Its interactive interface presents data in detailed charts, downloadable in PNG format, along with forecast values for offline use. By leveraging advanced tools for accuracy and reliability, Mausamgram empowers individuals with user-friendly, tailored weather information, promoting informed decision-making and community resilience.

User-Friendly Websites:

IMD’s official website has been revamped to make weather forecasts, severe weather updates, rainfall reports, and other meteorological information easily accessible. The website’s clean layout and bilingual support cater to users across different regions of India.

Social Media Initiatives:

Recognizing the power of social media in reaching a wider audience, IMD has established a strong presence on platforms like YouTube [used to share daily detailed weather briefings, explainer videos, and updates on cyclones, monsoons, thunderstorm, heat/cold wave, fog and other weather phenomenon, making technical information accessible to all], Facebook [used to posts on weather forecasts, climate awareness, and IMD’s achievements engage the public and foster awareness about the importance of meteorology], X [platform is particularly useful for immediate dissemination during extreme weather events] and Instagram [to share visually appealing weather info-graphics and engaging content]. These initiatives ensure that vital weather information reaches citizens swiftly and effectively.

Public Outreach Campaigns:

IMD’s campaigns aim to educate the public about weather preparedness, climate change, and disaster mitigation through early warnings. These campaigns often coincide with significant events such as the monsoon onset, cyclone season, or international observances like World Meteorological Day. IMD provides video bulletins through all means, including mass media AIR, TV, Social media, Common Alerting Protocol, Application Programming Interface and mobile applications.

These efforts have profoundly impacted enhanced public safety, improved outreach, engaged youth, two-way communication and awareness.

IMD’s integration of mobile technology, online platforms, and social media underscores its transformation into a 21st-century meteorological organization. This holistic approach ensures that vital weather information is not just available but also accessible, timely, and user-friendly for all.

IMD has published FAQs, Do’s and Don’ts for different severe weather events. IMD has published many videos on its services on weather & climate.

Global leadership in line with “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”:

India has been a global leader over the years and provided meteorological services through provisions of data and NWP products, advisory services, policy & planning and execution of international programmes. Our special emphasis has always been on immediate neighbours, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea region and small islands nations and least developed countries in the Asia Pacific.

Embracing the Future

While we take immense pride in our achievements, we are equally conscious of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, driven by global climate change, call for a renewed focus on innovation and collaboration.

Our Strategic Priorities for the Future:

Strengthening Early Warning Systems: We aim to enhance our forecasting capabilities for extreme weather events, reducing lead times and increasing accuracy.
Expanding Observational Networks: The deployment of more AWS, radars, and ocean buoys will ensure better coverage and data quality.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML): Integrating AI and ML into weather models will allow us to process vast amounts of data for more precise predictions.
Climate Services for Adaptation: As climate variability increases, IMD will focus on providing actionable climate services to help communities adapt and build resilience.
Engaging with Stakeholders: Collaboration with all stakeholders including academia, industry, and international meteorological organizations will be key to advancing our mission.
Empowering the Next Generation: We are committed to nurturing the next generation of meteorologists, climatologists, and researchers who will lead India into a weather-resilient future.

The Government of India has launched “Mission Mausam” to carry on the above. So as to lay a foundation for vision-2047.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

This celebration would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals who have served IMD over the years. From field staff braving harsh conditions to scientists pushing the boundaries of research, each one of them has been a pillar of our success.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners in the government, private sector, and international community. Their support has been invaluable in helping us fulfil our mission.

I congratulate the people of India; they are at the heart of everything we do. Their trust inspires us to strive harder, innovate further, and ensure that every forecast we make contributes to the safety and well-being of our nation.

A Moment of Pride

As we commemorate 150 years of IMD, let us take a moment to celebrate our rich legacy. This is not just a celebration of the past but a promise for the future—a promise to continue serving the nation with unwavering dedication and excellence.

On this historic occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to our vision and mission:

Meteorological observations & forecast for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities,
No weather hazard to go undetected and unpredicted,
Accurate warnings against hazards with reasonable lead time, triggering a response from disaster managers and the public to save lives and property.

We are in 150 years of IMD. We have to continue to excel through innovation, ensuring resilience, and service to the nation & the globe.

Author: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, Third vice president of WMO