Reference:

• On 26 May 2025, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, launched a high-resolution (6 km) numerical global weather model named Bharat Forecasting System (BFS).

Key Highlights:

• Launched by Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
• Built with a 6 km high-resolution grid, making it one of the most accurate global weather forecast models.
• Aims to deliver hyper-local weather forecasts up to the panchayat level, helping sectors like agriculture, disaster management, water resources, and public health.

Main Features:

High Resolution (6 km):

• BFS operates on a 6 km grid resolution, which is twice as precise as the previous global forecast models (12 km grids).
• It enables micro-level weather predictions, crucial for forecasting localized extreme events like cloudbursts.

Panchayat-Level Forecasting:

• Provides localized forecasts at the panchayat level, benefitting rural communities, especially farmers.
• It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, India Meteorological Department (IMD), and Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Nowcasting (2-hour Forecast):

• Offers nowcasting for the next 2 hours to predict short-term, fast-changing weather events such as thunderstorms and cloudbursts.
• Utilizes data from 40 Doppler Weather Radars, with a plan to expand to 100 radars.

Supercomputer 'Arka':

• Powered by the ‘Arka’ supercomputer with 11.77 petaflops of computational speed and 33 petabytes of storage.
• Processes data faster than the previous ‘Pratyush’ system, reducing forecast time from 10 to 4 hours.

Disaster Management and Other Benefits:

• Accurate predictions of cyclones, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events.
• Helps in disaster risk reduction, agricultural planning, water management, and public safety.

Analysis:

1. Technological Advancement & Self-Reliance:

• BFS is India’s first indigenous high-resolution weather model, reducing dependency on global models like the US GFS or CFS.
• Its fine resolution improves accuracy in predicting micro-events like cloudbursts.
• Backed by the high computing capacity of 'Arka', it ensures faster and more reliable forecasts.

2. Impact at Panchayat Level:

• Helps farmers make informed decisions regarding sowing, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Supports food security and agricultural productivity.
• Weather updates will be integrated with digital platforms like e-GramSwaraj and Meri Panchayat app.

3. Disaster Management:

• Enhances early warning systems for extreme weather events.
• The 2-hour nowcast improves real-time administrative responses to disasters.

4. Economic and Social Impact:

• Helps reduce economic losses by guiding timely agricultural and public safety actions.
• Improves community resilience through localized alerts.
• Supports efficient water resource and flood management.

5. Global Positioning:

• With its 6 km resolution, BFS is one of the most advanced global weather models.
• Establishes India as a technological leader in meteorology.
• Enhances India's global scientific reputation.

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):

• Established in July 2006 by upgrading the Department of Ocean Development.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

• Weather and climate forecasting through IMD (monsoons, cyclones, heatwaves).
• Earthquake and tsunami monitoring via the National Tsunami Warning Center.
• Ocean and coastal monitoring for marine resource prediction.
• Earth observation using satellites and radar.
• Promoting scientific research through dedicated institutions.

Major Organizations under MoES: