IMD Foundation Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers of the World Meteorological Centers. It has the responsibility for forecasting, naming and distribution of warnings for tropical cyclones in the Northern Indian Ocean region, including the Malacca Straits, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
15th January marks the auspicious occasion of the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the India Meterological Department. During all these years of its existence, IMD has contributed tremendously for the development of science of meteorology over the sub-continent. The department has served the cause of safety and well being of the people of India against weather related hazards and to economic development of the country. It is heartening to note that the IMD regards 15th January as an opportune moment to highlight its achievements and pathway for future development.
Some of the initiatives and achievements of the year 2014 are as follows:-
- Ø Accurate short, medium, extended & long range forecast of Monsoon 2014 and accurate prediction of extreme weather events like heavy rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam & Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and hailstorm over Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra.
- Ø Percentage Correct (PC) skill score for Short Range Heavy Rainfall Warnings, issued during monsoon 2014, was 88%.
- Ø Accurate prediction of Hudhud, Nilofer and other cyclonic storms & Region-wise Severe Weather Warnings.
- Ø 134 Cyclone Warning Dissemination Systems (CWDS) have been installed.
- Ø Developing Customised Rainfall Information System (CRIS) to generate tailor made rainfall products, which will be helpful in planning agricultural activities, flood forecasting and water management etc.
