In-situ observational network for extreme weather events in India

Authors

  • GAJENDRA KUMAR India Meteorological Department, New Delhi – 110 003, India
  • SURESH CHAND India Meteorological Department, New Delhi – 110 003, India
  • R. R. MALI India Meteorological Department, Pune – 411 005, India
  • S. K. KUNDU India Meteorological Department, New Delhi – 110 003, India
  • A. K. BAXLA India Meteorological Department, New Delhi – 110 003, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54302/mausam.v67i1.1145

Keywords:

In-situ, Atmospheric observation network, Extreme weather, WMO, DWR, AWS, ARG, Upper air system

Abstract

Extreme weather events, interacting with vulnerable human and natural systems, can lead to disasters, especially in absence of responsive social system. Accurate and timely monitoring and forecast of heavy rains, tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, hailstorms, cloudburst, drought, heat and cold waves, etc. are required to respond effectively to such events. Due to extreme weather events, crops over large parts of the country are adversely affected reducing production of total food grains, fodder, cash crops, vegetables and fruits which in turn affect the earnings and livelihood of individual farmers as well as the economy of the country. In situ observational network are the vital component for skilful prediction of extreme weather events. Current observational requirements for extreme weather prediction are met, to varying degrees by a range of in-situ observing systems and space-based systems. The augmentation of in-situ observational network is continuously progressing. IMD now has a network of Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs), Agro AWSs, Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs), GPS upper air systems etc. These observations along with non-conventional (satellite) data are now being used to run its global and regional numerical prediction models on High Performance Computing Systems (HPCS). This has improved monitoring and forecasting capabilities for extreme weather events like cyclones, severe thunderstorm, heavy rainfall and floods in a significant manner. This paper provides an overview of the role of in-situ observational network for extreme weather events in India, framework for further augmentation to the network and other requirements to further enhance capabilities for high impact & extreme weather events and natural hazards.

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Published

01-01-2016

How to Cite

[1]
G. . KUMAR, S. . CHAND, R. R. . MALI, S. K. . KUNDU, and A. K. . BAXLA, “In-situ observational network for extreme weather events in India”, MAUSAM, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 67–76, Jan. 2016.

Issue

Section

Research Papers