Revolutionizing Weather Predictions: India Unveils Indigenous ‘Bharat Forecasting System’ in Pune – Latest Updates from Punekar News

India’s weather forecasting is about to get a major upgrade with the launch of the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. This new system was officially inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi.

With the BFS, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is transitioning to locally developed technology. This means forecasts can be much more localized and specific, which is crucial as weather patterns change across the country.

The program was backed by 12 dedicated scientists from IITM, including notable names like Dr. Medha Deshpande and Dr. Siddhartha Kumar. Previously, the IMD relied on the Coupled Forecasting System (CFS) from the US, which was tailored to fit Indian conditions. While this was helpful, it had its limitations. The BFS, however, can deliver forecasts with remarkable accuracy at a 6-kilometre resolution, surpassing the 9–14 km resolution of global models.

This new approach is expected to boost the accuracy of extreme rainfall predictions by 30% and improve rainfall forecasting in key monsoon areas by an impressive 64%. According to Dr. Singh, accurate weather forecasts are vital for minimizing losses, fostering economic growth, and benefiting many sectors.

The BFS has been in development since 2017 and was rigorously tested over the past three years. It harnesses the power of India’s advanced supercomputers, ‘ARCH’ and ‘Arunika’, for fast data processing. Part of a larger initiative known as ‘Mission Mausam,’ the government has allocated ₹2,000 crore to modernize weather infrastructure across the country.

Research indicates that improved weather forecasting can significantly impact sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and transportation. According to a recent study, optimized weather information can increase crop yields by up to 20%. As India steps up its forecasting capabilities, it positions itself as a leader in climate science regionally and globally.

The BFS isn’t just for India; it could also aid other tropical regions, showcasing India’s role in global weather prediction. As technology advances, the benefits of accurate forecasting will reach even more people, ensuring that everyone can respond better to the changing climate.

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