Goa Doppler radar bridges gap in forecasting weather

Published on:

13 Jun 2018, 12:27 am

Team Herald

PANJIM: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Secretary Dr R Rajeevan on Tuesday said the gap in weather forecasting between Kochi in Kerala and Mumbai has been bridged with the commissioning of Doppler radar system in Goa, which will help provide accurate information about the monsoon pattern.

“All these radars will help in giving more information in the west coast,” Dr R Rajeevan said addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Doppler radar at IMD Goa.

He said, “It rains heavily from Goa to Mangalore and we need such radars in place. This radar will be very effective in giving weather warnings especially in this region and also the information will be shared with other agencies.”

The new high-end Doppler will be crucial to fishermen, farmers and people, especially during inclement weather conditions and the department will increase the span of its forecast.

MET-Goa Director M L Sahu said, “The Doppler radar uses more advanced knowledge of clouds, rainfall and the cyclonic depression. The range for the Doppler radar is 500 kms but at 300 kms we get a clear picture. If you visit our website, you shall be able to see the radar images. The radar is capable of giving five days forecast and an additional two days making it seven days.”

He said, “With the new radar, the department shall be able to forecast the weather even two to three hours in advance. This system shall be operated 24 hours. It is especially useful for Goa. Being a coastal state, this radar can be used in providing vital information about the oncoming thunder storms, cyclones and other calamities.”

27 Doppler radars to be installed across the country

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Director General of Meteorology Dr K J Ramesh on Tuesday said that 27 Doppler radars will be functional across the country covering important coastlines and cities. “With this installation of Doppler radars, we will have very good coverage and monitor severe weather development in any part of the country and with that information we can prepare in advance to face them,” he said. He added, “The information would be advanced as much as four to six hours. Such advance warning can help areas likely to be affected by severe weather.” He said that wherever there are gaps, radars would be commissioned in the coming years. “Department will make every effort to improve its services to meet all emerging needs and threat coming from climate change impact so that we can take all safety precautions.”