LUCKNOW: 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 Monday inaugurated the newly designated Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow, marking a significant step in strengthening weather forecasting and climate services in northern India.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s meteorological infrastructure has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, enabling more precise, location-specific and impact-based weather forecasting services for citizens, disaster management agencies, farmers, tourists and the aviation sector.
The Minister highlighted that advances in weather observation systems and forecasting technology have fundamentally changed the delivery of meteorological services across the country. He noted that forecasting capabilities have evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localised forecasts that provide weather updates for specific areas and shorter time periods, helping people plan their activities more effectively.
Dr. Singh pointed out that India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with several states lacking radar coverage altogether. According to him, the number has now increased to 50 operational Doppler Weather Radars nationwide. He further informed that another 50 radars are planned under the Centre’s Mission Mausam initiative, which is expected to take the country’s radar network close to 100 within the next two years.
He said the expansion would significantly improve real-time weather monitoring, forecasting accuracy and early warning systems, particularly during extreme weather events.
Emphasising the growing reliability of weather forecasts, Dr. Singh said public trust in meteorological advisories has increased due to continuous improvements in observation networks, forecasting models and information dissemination mechanisms. Citizens can now access accurate short-term forecasts, including weather conditions expected within the next few hours, enabling better preparedness and decision-making.
Referring to Uttar Pradesh, the Minister described the state as one of the most critical regions for advanced meteorological services due to its vast geographical spread and varied climatic conditions. He said the state frequently faces weather-related challenges such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, thunderstorms and lightning, making timely forecasts and warnings essential for safeguarding lives and property.
Highlighting progress made in the state’s meteorological infrastructure, Dr. Singh noted that Uttar Pradesh had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014. Today, three radars are operational, while additional systems are being installed. He also shared that the number of Automatic Weather Stations in the state has risen from 59 to 107, while Automatic Rain Gauge Stations have increased from 132 to 140. The state, which previously had no lightning sensors, now has seven such systems in operation.
The Minister further stated that aviation meteorological services are currently available at eleven airports across Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the rapid expansion of the state’s aviation network and the growing need for specialised weather support.
Dr. Singh also highlighted improvements in neighbouring Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state highly vulnerable to cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and avalanches. He noted that Uttarakhand had no Doppler Weather Radar a decade ago, whereas three radars have now been installed. Additional weather monitoring systems are also planned under Mission Mausam to strengthen forecasting capabilities in the ecologically sensitive region.
Underscoring the significance of the new Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, the Minister said the facility would help decentralise weather services and enhance regional forecasting operations. The centre will cater to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and surrounding areas, enabling more focused monitoring, forecasting and dissemination of weather information.
He added that plans are being developed for dedicated infrastructure at the centre, including advanced Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems, with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Dr. Singh stressed that improved forecasting systems are playing an increasingly important role in reducing disaster risks by providing advance warnings for thunderstorms, flash floods, lightning strikes, cloudbursts and other extreme weather events. However, he observed that the effectiveness of such systems depends not only on forecasting accuracy but also on prompt action by local authorities and adherence to advisories by the public.
Urging citizens and disaster management agencies to make greater use of weather information, the Minister said forecasts and impact-based warnings are now reaching districts, local administrations and Panchayats in real time and should be integrated into planning and response mechanisms.
The inauguration of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow is expected to strengthen India’s weather and climate services framework further, improving forecasting accuracy, dissemination of advisories and support for disaster management, agriculture, aviation and public safety across the region.
