Question : Prediction of Thunderstorms-Lightning

(a) whether the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to launch an end to end prediction system for predicting thunderstorms/lightning;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the system is likely to be functional;
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the IMD to strengthening its observational network to reduce the human losses during the thunderstorms in the country;
(d) whether IMD and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune are developing a new website for IMD along with the mobile Apps for farmers and city forecasts; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be launched?

THE MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) & (b) Yes Madam. IMD has introduced nowcasting (for the next two hours) with effect from 2016 by which location of occurrence of thunderstorms and associated severe weather can be provided by about 2-3 hours in advance. The new service level products from the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models for improved location specific forecast of thunderstorms are likely to become operational from the premonsoon season of 2019. In addition to this, IMD in collaboration with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology & Indian Air Force is developing an operational product by overlaying lightning data on Satellite & DWR images for the benefit of thunderstorms and associated severe weather prediction.

(c) In order to monitor severe weather events, IMD has plans to upgrade the existing observational network by installing new Doppler Weather Radars and Wind Profilers.

(d)&(e) Yes Madam.IMD is working in collaboration with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune are developing a new website for IMD along with the mobile Apps for farmers and city forecasts and will be launched by December 2019.