151st Foundation Day of IMD and Automatic Weather Stations

• 16 Jan 2026

Source: PIB 

India has announced a major upgrade in urban weather forecasting with the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, reinforcing disaster preparedness and hyper-local forecasting during the 151st Foundation Day (15th January 1875–2026) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

• Automatic Weather Stations (AWS): It is a meteorological station that records and transmits weather data automatically.  
  • AWS increases the density, reliability, and frequency of surface weather observations, especially in remote or inhospitable areas.  
  • They provide continuous, high-resolution data, reduce human error and operational costs, and standardise measurements across networks through advanced digital sensors and automated reporting. 
  • AWS supports agriculture, aviation, urban planning, public safety, and disaster management.  
• IMD: It is India’s principal agency for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology, functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.  
  • Headquartered in New Delhi, it provides critical forecasts and warnings for agriculture, aviation, shipping, and disaster management. 
• Achievements of IMD: Over the last decade, IMD has achieved major technological advancements, with forecast accuracy improving by 40–50%, cyclone track prediction accuracy rising by 35–40%, and seasonal forecast errors reducing from about 7.5% to nearly 2.5%.  
  • Its weather radar network now covers around 87% of India’s geographical area. 
    • IMD has expanded Doppler Weather Radars, aerosol monitoring systems, and ultra-short-range forecasts (up to 3 hours), while inaugurating a Model Observatory, 3D-printed AWS, and Agro-Automatic Weather Station, showcasing indigenous, cost-effective meteorological technologies. 
  • Mission Mausam, led by IMD, reflects a long-term focus on advanced weather science, climate resilience, and public welfare. 
  • India now provides weather and disaster-related satellite support to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, strengthening South Asian regional cooperation. 

Read more: 150th Foundation Day of IMD and Mission Mausam