Bharat Forecasting System: India Launches Mechanism For Better, Precise Weather Prediction

India has introduced the Bharat Forecasting System, a cutting-edge weather model known for having the world’s highest resolution. With a fine 6-kilometre grid, this new system can better track and predict small-scale weather patterns, leading to more accurate and reliable forecasts across the country.
Bharat Forecasting System

India Launches Bharat Forecasting System: India unveiled the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), an indigenously developed weather prediction model designed to provide highly localised and accurate forecasts on May 26, 2025, at a launch ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the country's meteorological capabilities, aiming to enhance preparedness for weather-related events across various sectors.

What Is The Bharat Forecasting System?

The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) is a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. Operating on a 6-kilometre grid, it offers more detailed and precise forecasts compared to previous models, which operated on a 12-kilometre grid. This increased resolution allows for better prediction of small-scale weather phenomena, crucial for timely alerts and planning.

At the launch ceremony, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said “This indigenous breakthrough positions India among global leaders in weather prediction. It’s a proud testament to our rise as the world’s 4th largest economy and showcases our ability to develop state-of-the-art, self-reliant scientific solutions is another feather in the Nation’s Cap.”

Bharat Forecasting System: Powered by Advanced Computing

The development of the BFS was facilitated by the installation of the supercomputer 'Arka' at the IITM campus. With a processing capacity of 11.77 petaflops and storage of 33 petabytes, Arka significantly reduces the time required for complex weather simulations, enabling faster and more efficient forecasting.

The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) is expected to offer much more accurate and detailed rain forecasts, right down to the panchayat level. Most of the improvements will be seen in short- and medium-term forecasts, covering periods of around three to seven days issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, it won’t have much impact on the long-range forecasts that are typically shared about a month in advance.

The new and improved forecasting system has been made possible because of two powerful supercomputers: ‘Arka’ at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, and ‘Arunika’ at the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting in Delhi. These high-performance machines help process huge amounts of data quickly, making weather predictions more accurate and efficient.

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Bharat Forecasting System Benefits Across Sectors

The implementation of the BFS is expected to have wide-ranging benefits:

  • Agriculture: Farmers can receive more accurate weather forecasts, aiding in crop planning and reducing losses due to unexpected weather changes.

  • Disaster Management: Enhanced prediction of extreme weather events like cyclones and heavy rainfall will improve disaster preparedness and response.

  • Urban Planning: City planners can utilise precise weather data for infrastructure development and management.

  • Aviation and Maritime Operations: More accurate forecasts will aid in safer and more efficient navigation.

Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the BFS would support various ministries and sectors by providing timely and precise weather information.

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Bharat Forecasting System To Improve Accuracy For Better Weather Prediction

The BFS has demonstrated a 64% improvement in prediction skills and a 30% enhancement in forecasting extreme rainfall events compared to previous models. This increased accuracy is vital for regions prone to sudden weather changes, ensuring better preparedness and resource allocation.

Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), explained that the Bharat Forecasting System will use data collected from 40 Doppler Weather Radars placed across India. This network of radars will help the weather department provide more local and timely forecasts, including nowcasts for short-term weather events. The number of Doppler radars is set to increase to 100 over time, which will help the weather department issue nowcasts, short-term forecasts for up to two hours for the entire country.

The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) is designed to give detailed weather predictions at a 6-kilometre resolution for the tropical zone, which lies between 30 degrees South and 30 degrees North Latitudes. India falls well within this region, with the mainland stretching roughly from 8.4 degrees north and 37.6 degrees north latitudes.

The launch of the Bharat Forecasting System represents a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance its weather prediction infrastructure against climate-related challenges.


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Image credit: Twitter (X)

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