Citizens will be able to get online information on weather and air quality in their locality as 20 automatic weather systems (AWS) are being set up across the city.
As part of the mega-city forecast system, initiated by the Union environment ministry, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) with the help of the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) has installed 20 AWS across the eastern, western suburbs and Panvel, taking the number of such systems to 30. The systems in Mumbai and surrounding areas form one of the largest automatic weather forecasting networks in the country.
“The purpose of installing the AWS is for better weather observational points for the availability of more realistic data to the masses. Air quality will also be monitored as part of the project installed by SAFAR,” said K S Hosalikar, deputy director general, western region, IMD.
The AWS will be set up at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Powai; Somaiya Vidyavihar campus; Shivaji Park; Worli (2 stations); Bandra; Ghatokpar; Mulund (2); Charkop, Kandivli (2); Lokhandwala Complex; Bhandup (West); and Panvel.
SAFAR, a nationwide initiative by the ministry of earth science, monitors and forecasts air quality at 10 stations in Mumbai .
“During this monsoon season, there was no uniformity of rainfall in Mumbai as some areas observed heavy rain while others recorded negligible amounts. The information that is currently live on the SAFAR website helps in accurate dissemination of weather information such as humidity levels and three-day forecast to Mumbaiites,” said Gufran Beig, project director, SAFAR.
Hosalikar said that over a period of time, micro-climatic studies can be carried out by the meteorology department. “After checking the accuracy of the system, the city will be divided into zones and climatological and statistical studies will be done depending upon the population, urbanisation, pollution level, geographical locations to identify the weather behaviour at different parts of Mumbai,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Hosalikar said that over a period of time, micro-climatic studies can be carried out by the meteorology department. “After checking the accuracy of the system, the city will be divided into zones and climatological and statistical studies will be done depending upon the population, urbanisation, pollution level, geographical locations to identify the weather behaviour at different parts of Mumbai,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}How can you access the data
Go to http://safar.tropmet.res.in
Click on the ‘Weather Now and Forecast’ tab at the bottom of the page
After choosing the preferred city as Mumbai, 30 weather and air quality monitoring stations will provide real-time data.
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.