Kerala to get new IMD radar in Kollam for enhanced weather tracking
The initiative aims to enhance weather data collection and disaster management efforts through advanced radar technology.
The initiative aims to enhance weather data collection and disaster management efforts through advanced radar technology.
The initiative aims to enhance weather data collection and disaster management efforts through advanced radar technology.
Kollam: To improve the precision of weather forecasts and closely track monsoon patterns, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is setting up another radar in Kerala. The new C-Band radar, with a range of 250 kilometres, will be installed in Kollam, bringing the entire state under the IMD’s radar network coverage.
Additionally, the radar being set up at Pulpally in Wayanad is expected to become operational by February next year. Officials said the Kollam installation will help obtain early and detailed readings of micro-level monsoon parameters. The IMD will now be able to detect low-pressure formations and monsoon movements much earlier, especially with similar 250-kilometre range radars being established at Minicoy and Amindivi islands in Lakshadweep.
The new systems will enable meteorologists to analyse cloud size and movement, rainfall intensity, thunder activity, droplet size, cyclones, and wind direction with greater precision.
These radar installations are part of the Mission Mausam project launched by the Central government. An expert team has already begun site inspections to identify the most suitable location in Kollam for the radar station.
The radar at Palluruthy in Ernakulam currently has a surveillance range of 500 kilometres. Though data from the ISRO radar in Thiruvananthapuram is being used at present, the upcoming radar in Kollam will significantly enhance region-specific weather data collection. Another radar is also planned for Kanyakumari.
Meanwhile, work on the radar installation at Mangaluru, meant to monitor weather over the Konkan region, has been completed. According to IMD officials, the radar at Cochin University is primarily used to track surface wind direction.
IMD Director Neetha K Gopal said the new radar systems will help detect instances of localised extreme rainfall well in advance. “The additional data will greatly improve the clarity and accuracy of monsoon forecasting and strengthen disaster management efforts,” she said.