Uttar Pradesh strengthens weather forecasting infra with new Lucknow centre

Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology and earth sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday launched the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow, saying India’s weather forecasting infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Singh said the country’s meteorological network has grown substantially since 2014, helping provide more accurate, location-specific and impact-based weather forecasts for citizens, disaster management agencies, farmers, tourists and the aviation sector.

He said India had 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand lacking any radar coverage at the time. According to the minister, the network has now expanded to 50 Doppler Weather Radars, with another 50 proposed under Mission Mausam.

“India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014,” Dr Singh said, adding that the expansion would take the total number of radars to nearly 100 over the next two years and strengthen real-time weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities across the country.

The minister said weather forecasting services have evolved from broad regional predictions to more localised and time-specific forecasts. He noted that people can now access short-range forecasts for the next few hours, helping improve preparedness and planning.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh, Dr Singh said the state’s geographical diversity and climatic conditions make advanced weather services particularly important. He said Uttar Pradesh remains vulnerable to floods, droughts, heatwaves, thunderstorms and other extreme weather events.

Highlighting changes in the state’s meteorological infrastructure, the minister said Uttar Pradesh had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. At present, three radars are operational and several more are being commissioned.

He said the number of Automatic Weather Stations in the state has increased from 59 to 107, while Automatic Rain Gauge stations have risen from 132 to 140. Lightning sensors, which were absent in 2014, now number seven. Aviation meteorological services are also being provided at 11 airports across the state.

Dr Singh also outlined developments in neighbouring Uttarakhand, saying the hill state previously had no Doppler Weather Radar despite being prone to flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and avalanches. Three radars have since been installed, with additional systems planned under Mission Mausam.

The minister said the newly declared Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow would help decentralise meteorological services and strengthen regional forecasting capabilities. The centre will cater to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining regions, enabling more focused weather monitoring, forecasting and dissemination of information.

He added that plans are being developed for dedicated infrastructure, including advanced Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems, with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.

Dr Singh said improved forecasting systems are helping reduce disaster risks by providing advance warnings for flash floods, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, avalanches and other extreme weather events.

He urged citizens, local authorities and disaster management agencies to make full use of weather forecasts and early warning systems, including impact-based advisories available through digital platforms.

“Weather information is now reaching districts, local administrations and Panchayats in real time and should be integrated into planning and decision-making processes,” he said.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow will support weather forecasting, dissemination of advisories and services related to disaster management, agriculture, aviation and public safety across the region.