AI Transforms India’s Weather Forecasting, Boosting Sustainability and Climate Resilience

India is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into its weather forecasting system so that the predictive accuracy is enhanced, helping agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) reported that its institutions are striving to incorporate AI-based meteorological research into operational applications, enhancing the country's weather observation and forecasting infrastructure.

AI Integration in Weather Forecasting:-
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune has set up a virtual center for AI, ML, and deep learning to promote Earth Sciences. AI models have enhanced short-term precipitation forecasts by minimizing bias in day-to-day weather forecasts for one-day, two-day, and three-day forecasts. These enhancements are likely to benefit farmers, policymakers, and emergency response teams through enhanced decision-making.

In its written response to Parliament, the MoES pointed out creating high-resolution urban meteorological information and a time-evolving Normalized Difference Urbanization Index (NDUI) at a spatial resolution of 30 meters. The ministry is also utilizing AI to monitor and forecast Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential, which will have a remarkable impact on disaster preparedness in coastal areas.

AI-Powered Agricultural Advisory Services:-
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also broadened its Agrometeorological Advisory Services to assist farmers by incorporating AI-driven weather models into its prediction system. Its Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa initiative offers medium-range weather forecast and climate-reliant recommendations specific to the region to assist farmers in planting, irrigating, and harvesting.

IMD offers weather forecasts via various media, including television, radio, mobile apps, and SMS. Farmers can receive district-wise advisories from Meghdoot and Mausam mobile apps, providing them with timely and accurate information to plan agriculture better. In a bid to extend the reach, the ministry has also joined hands with social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, offering its services to more people.

Upsurging Rural Weather Forecasting:-
Recognizing the importance of localized weather data, the government launched the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting initiative in October 2024. The initiative provides village-level forecasts on digital platforms like e-Gramswaraj and Mausamgram, allowing local governments and farmers to base their decisions on facts. The integration of IMD advisory services with the IT infrastructure of 16 state governments enables farmers to get weather updates in their mother tongues, making the service more inclusive.

The ministry is also directly interacting with the agricultural community through kisan melas, farm visits, and awareness drives, keeping farmers well informed about climate threats and mitigation strategies.

Raising Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience:-
Not just farm planning is enhanced with AI forecasting but it also aids disaster management. Cyclones, heatwaves, and heavy rains batter India, and AI forecasts the same better. State and central disaster management units, being given enhanced forecasting abilities, can anticipatively implement steps that can contain economic loss as well as preserve communities.

The government is also investing in AI research to improve the climate resilience of cities, especially megacities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, whose climate disruptions affect millions of individuals. Intelligent climate observation with AI can maximize water management, flood control, and pollution monitoring, and India's overall sustainability efforts.

The Role of AI in India's Sustainability Goals:-
The application of AI in weather prediction is also conducive to India's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability targets. Through the application of AI in climate monitoring, agriculture, and disaster risk management, India seeks to establish a climate-resilient economy while ensuring sustainable development. Correct weather forecasting minimizes losses in agriculture, hence ensuring food security and rural economies' stability.

India's emphasis on climate solutions through AI resonates with international sustainability agreements such as the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India is gearing up to be a leader in climate-resilient agriculture and disaster risk reduction by leveraging technological innovation.

Conclusion:-
India's embracement of AI in weather forecasting is a major milestone towards the creation of climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced preparedness for disaster. The use of AI-infused models is assisting farmers in making decisions, supporting governments in their quick response to extreme weather conditions, and providing improved planning for cities.

By investing in climate technology and research on AI, India is leading the way in leveraging digital innovation as a means to address climate crises, support sustainability, and advocate for disaster resilience. The extension of weather services to rural regions enhances efforts towards climate resilience and long-term environmental and economic stability.

Source: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department (IMD)