Delhi gets first Doppler radar; expect real-time forecasts

The capital today got its first Doppler Radar which will help Met office make accurate and real time forecast of weather, particularly thunderstorms and cyclones.

The capital on Thursday got its first Doppler Radar which will help Met office make accurate and real time forecast of weather, particularly thunderstorms and cyclones.

HT Image

The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) was inaugurated by Earth Sciences Minister Prithviraj Chavan at Shahabad area located on the periphery of the capital's south-west region.

Another DWR is expected to be installed at the Mausam Bhawan, the headquarters of the India Meteorological Department here.

A DWR has the unique capability to continuously track and predict fast-evolving weather systems such as thunderstorms, cyclones and cloudbursts and one instrument can cover an area of upto 500 km.

It will be also help predict the quantity of rainfall, and the rainfall average, precipitation intensity, early detection of thunderstorms that may bring large hail, heavy rain, strong wind and tornados.

"As many as 55 such radars will be installed at various locations across the country as part of the IMD modernisation programme," Chavan said.

The installation of the radar is crucial for the IMD as it prepares to issue real-time and venue specific forecasts for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Currently, India has four German-made Doppler radars set up at Visakhapatnam, Machhlipatnam, Chennai and Kolkata.