Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Monday jointly inaugurated the new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Lucknow, marking a significant step toward strengthening weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in northern India.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s meteorological infrastructure has expanded at an unprecedented pace over the past decade, resulting in more accurate, localised and impact-based weather forecasting services for citizens, disaster management agencies, farmers, tourists and the aviation sector.
The minister highlighted the rapid growth of the country’s Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network. India had only 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, with several states including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand lacking any radar coverage. The network has now expanded to 50 radars, and another 50 are planned under the Centre’s Mission Mausam initiative, taking the total to nearly 100 radars within the next two years.
“Weather forecasting has evolved from broad regional predictions to highly localised and time-specific forecasts,” Dr. Singh said, adding that citizens can now access reliable short-range weather forecasts for the coming hours, enabling better planning and preparedness.
The minister noted that Uttar Pradesh, owing to its geographical diversity and climatic variability, remains highly vulnerable to floods, droughts, heatwaves, thunderstorms and other extreme weather events, making advanced forecasting systems crucial for public safety.
He pointed to significant improvements in the state’s meteorological infrastructure over the last decade. Uttar Pradesh had only one Doppler Weather Radar in 2014; today, three are operational and six more are in various stages of commissioning. The number of Automatic Weather Stations in the state has increased from 59 to 107, while Automatic Rain Gauge stations have risen from 132 to 140. Lightning sensors, which were absent a decade ago, now number seven across the state.
Dr. Singh also highlighted improvements in aviation meteorological services, which are now available at 11 airports in Uttar Pradesh, supporting the state’s expanding aviation network.
The minister said Uttarakhand has similarly witnessed substantial progress in weather monitoring capabilities. Despite being highly vulnerable to flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and avalanches, the state previously had no Doppler Weather Radar. It now has three operational radars, with additional systems planned under Mission Mausam.
Emphasising the significance of the newly established Regional Meteorological Centre, Dr. Singh said the facility would help decentralise meteorological services and strengthen regional forecasting. The centre will cater to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining regions, enabling more focused weather monitoring, forecasting and dissemination of advisories.
He added that plans are underway to develop dedicated infrastructure at the centre, including advanced Doppler Weather Radars and wind profiler systems, with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.
The minister underscored the role of improved forecasting systems in reducing disaster risks through advance warnings for flash floods, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, avalanches and other extreme weather events. He urged citizens, local administrations and disaster management agencies to make effective use of weather forecasts and take early warnings seriously.
Weather information is now being disseminated in real time to districts, local administrations and Panchayats, and should be integrated into planning and decision-making processes, he said.
The declaration of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow is expected to strengthen weather and climate services across northern India, improving forecasting capabilities, dissemination of advisories and support for disaster management, agriculture, aviation and public safety.
