How India's Meteorological Services Have Evolved: A Look at the IMD's Transformation

In a recent address, Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant advancements in India's meteorological services over the past decade. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has transformed its forecasting capabilities, gaining the trust of users like farmers and homemakers who now rely on mobile updates. This evolution is largely due to government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which have improved accuracy and accessibility. The expansion of the Doppler weather radar network has further strengthened monitoring systems, enabling timely warnings for severe weather events. Read on to learn more about this remarkable journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 19:18 IST

A Decade of Change in Weather Forecasting

New Delhi: Over the past ten years, India's meteorological services have seen significant advancements, providing accurate and dependable weather forecasts that cater to a diverse audience, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday.

Singh noted that individuals, including farmers and homemakers, frequently check weather updates on their smartphones before heading out, showcasing the increasing reliability and reach of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This progress is attributed to the government's commitment to the sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, resulting in enhanced accuracy, accessibility, and public confidence in weather predictions, Singh explained.

He made these remarks during the launch of a selfie point featuring weather radar at the IMD headquarters located on Lodhi Road.

The minister also emphasized the importance of Doppler weather radar (DWR) technology in bolstering India's weather monitoring capabilities.

These radars utilize the Doppler effect to monitor the movement and speed of weather systems, facilitating precise and timely forecasts.

Since 2014, India has notably expanded its DWR network from 14 operational units to 50, now covering approximately 87 percent of the nation.

This growing radar network allows for continuous atmospheric monitoring over vast distances and aids in issuing early warnings for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and other severe weather phenomena, Singh added.