Weather Forecasts at Panchayat Level

Source: This post on Weather Forecasts at Panchayat Level has been created based on the article “Weather forecasts at panchayat level: what will be known, and how it will help” published in Indian Express on 25th October 2024.

Why in news?

In response to increasing climate change uncertainties that impact weather patterns, localised forecasting aims to protect agricultural livelihoods and improve rural disaster preparedness.

About Weather Forecasts at Panchayat Level

1. Objectives of the Initiative: The primary objective of the initiative is to empower rural communities by enhancing grassroots governance and disaster readiness. It also aims to support farmers by providing tools for sustainable agricultural practices and improving climate resilience.

2. Forecast Details: The initiative offers a range of weather information. Users will receive hourly updates on current temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, rainfall, and humidity.

3. Additionally, five-day forecasts will include minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall predictions, cloud cover, wind direction, and speed.

4. This information will be accessible through the e-GramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra portals, as well as the Meri Panchayat app.

5. Benefits for the Public: The localised forecasts will directly benefit farmers by helping them optimize activities such as sowing, irrigation, and harvesting. Furthermore, daily weather updates will aid in disaster preparedness, enabling informed decision-making within rural communities.

6. Importance of Localised Forecasting:

i) Localised forecasting is crucial because it addresses the precision challenges associated with larger-scale forecasts, reducing uncertainty.

ii) Microforecasting is especially important for predicting sudden weather events, such as cloudbursts, that can significantly affect small communities.

iii) With 2.55 lakh village panchayats across the country, this initiative will provide detailed forecasts tailored to their specific needs.

Current Forecasting Capabilities:

i) Currently, weather forecasts are available at the district and block levels, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) now capable of providing forecasts over a 12 km by 12 km area.

ii) The IMD is working towards developing hyper-local forecasts with the goal of achieving a resolution of 1 km by 1 km in the future.

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