The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is embarking on its 150th year of operation and has announced its plans to enhance its weather forecast models using artificial intelligence (AI) and faster supercomputers. The IMD’s goal is to improve its ability to predict severe weather events, even at a small level. To mark its 150th anniversary, the IMD will launch “Panchayat Mausam Seva,” an initiative aimed at providing weather forecasts to farmers in every village, and the National Framework for Climate Services, which aims to integrate climate information into various sectors.
In an effort to better understand the physical processes leading to thunderstorms and heavy monsoon rains, the IMD is establishing test beds in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra is confident that advancements in AI and machine learning (ML) can play a significant role in improving forecasting capabilities. By leveraging historical weather data collected since 1901, the IMD aims to develop tools and methods for more accurate forecasting.
To achieve this, the IMD has formed an expert group on AI-ML and is collaborating with various academic and research institutions for joint development of forecasting tools. AI and ML can be particularly useful in the area of nowcast, where they can contribute to improved decision-making and weather forecasting. Additionally, AI and ML can enhance short to medium-range forecasts by improving the accuracy of weather models.
The IMD is also upgrading its high-performance computing systems to enhance numerical modeling capabilities. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is in the process of procuring faster supercomputers that will increase the IMD’s computing capacity from 10 petaflops to 30 petaflops. This upgrade will result in improved runtime, resolution, and post-process data generation for more precise sector-specific and location-specific weather information.
Addressing the criticism faced by the IMD for inaccurate forecasts in the past, Mohapatra emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in order to learn from mistakes and improve the forecasting system. While the current system may not be able to predict certain phenomena like cloudbursts and small-scale severe weather events, the IMD is committed to continuous improvement.
With a rich history in weather forecasting dating back to 1793, the IMD has witnessed significant advancements over time. Now, with the implementation of AI-based forecast models and enhanced computing capabilities, the IMD is poised to provide even more accurate weather predictions for the benefit of the public.
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk