Srinagar MeT Centre to get major tech upgrade
High-resolution weather models to boost forecasting accuracy, disaster response
By: Our special Correspondent
Srinagar: In a major step towards improving weather forecasting and public safety in Jammu and Kashmir, the Meteorological (MeT) Centre Srinagar is set to receive an advanced upgrade of its weather models and forecasting systems.
The upgradation, initiated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), aims to strengthen the region’s capability to predict extreme weather events with greater precision.
The initiative comes amid rising concerns over unpredictable weather patterns, frequent flash floods, cloudbursts, and snowfall disruptions in the Union Territory.
According to official sources, the MeT Centre Srinagar will be equipped with next-generation numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, real-time satellite data assimilation, Doppler radar integration, and machine learning tools to enhance short- and medium-range forecasts.
“The focus is on high-resolution, localized weather predictions. The system will provide hourly updates, nowcasts, and early warnings tailored specifically for J&K’s complex terrain,” a senior IMD official said.
The upgraded system is expected to significantly benefit sectors like disaster management, agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
Officials from the J&K Disaster Management Authority said the move would enhance coordination and response time during emergencies.
“We have seen several instances—cloudbursts in Kulgam, sudden floods in Ramban—where real-time data could have saved lives. This upgrade is crucial,” said a senior disaster official.
In the agriculture sector, farmers and experts have welcomed the development. With most of the Union Territory’s population dependent on climate-sensitive farming, accurate forecasts are seen as a vital tool to reduce crop losses.
“This will help farmers decide the best time for irrigation, harvesting, and pesticide use. Climate-smart farming starts with timely information,” said an agro-meteorologist at SKUAST-Kashmir.
The Srinagar upgradation is part of IMD’s national modernization programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, supported by the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS). The upgraded weather models are expected to be operational in a phased manner starting later this year, with full deployment by early 2026.
Experts have also called for better public awareness and stronger coordination between agencies to ensure the new system’s effectiveness on the ground.
