IMD Expands Radar Network in Kerala to Boost Monsoon Forecasting

Kollam: To enhance the precision of weather forecasts and monitor monsoon patterns more closely, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to install a new C-Band radar in Kollam, Kerala. The radar, with a surveillance range of 250 kilometres, will ensure comprehensive coverage of the state under the IMD’s radar network.

The radar at Pulpally in Wayanad is also scheduled to become operational by February next year. Officials said the Kollam installation will allow meteorologists to capture early and detailed readings of micro-level monsoon parameters, aiding timely detection of low-pressure formations and monsoon movements.

With similar 250-kilometre range radars being established at Minicoy and Amindivi islands in Lakshadweep, the IMD is expected to strengthen its ability to monitor cloud size and movement, rainfall intensity, droplet size, thunder activity, cyclones, and wind direction.

The initiative forms part of the Central government’s Mission Mausam project and an expert team has already begun site surveys in Kollam to identify the most suitable location for the radar station.

Currently, the radar at Palluruthy in Ernakulam has a 500-kilometre range, and data from the ISRO radar in Thiruvananthapuram is being used for weather tracking. The new Kollam radar is expected to enhance region-specific weather data collection. Another radar is planned for Kanyakumari, while work on the Mangaluru radar, designed to monitor weather over the Konkan region, has been completed.

The IMD radar at Cochin University is primarily deployed to track surface wind direction. IMD Director Neetha K. Gopal said that the upcoming radar systems would help detect localized extreme rainfall events well in advance.