TN to get five new Doppler weather radars to boost cyclone tracking and forecast accuracy
Chennai, Dec 29
In a major boost to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, Tamil Nadu is set to receive five new Doppler Weather Radars aimed at strengthening cyclone tracking, rainfall monitoring, and early warning systems across the state.
The new radars will be installed at Kanyakumari, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Yercaud, and Ramanathapuram.
Of the five proposed radars, three will be established under the Central government's flagship "Mission Mausam" programme, while the remaining two will be installed through a special initiative of the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency.
The expansion is expected to significantly enhance weather monitoring, especially in regions that currently remain vulnerable due to limited radar coverage.
At present, Tamil Nadu is covered by eight Doppler weather radars, some located within the state and others in neighbouring regions.
These include two radars in Chennai - an ageing S-band radar at the Chennai Port and an X-band radar at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
Coastal monitoring is supported by an S-band radar at Sriharikota, a C-band radar at Kalpakkam, and another S-band radar at Karaikal.
Interior areas receive coverage from radars located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Sulur.
However, officials pointed out that large parts of central Tamil Nadu, including Tiruchirappalli, and southern districts such as Kanyakumari, remain inadequately covered.
These regions are particularly vulnerable as they experience rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons and are frequently exposed to cyclonic systems forming over the Bay of Bengal.
Explaining the rationale behind the selection of new radar locations, officials said the decision was based on several factors, including the need for round-the-clock weather monitoring, higher radar density in coastal and hilly regions, and enhanced coverage in disaster-prone and densely populated areas.
Replacement of ageing equipment and ensuring redundancy in vulnerable zones were also key considerations.
With the addition of these five radars, Tamil Nadu's weather surveillance network is expected to become significantly stronger, improving the accuracy of forecasts, enhancing early warning capabilities, and helping authorities respond more effectively to cyclones, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather events.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some focus on central Tamil Nadu! Tiruchy and surrounding areas have been neglected for too long in terms of weather infrastructure. Hope this leads to more accurate local forecasts for farmers.
Good initiative, but I hope the implementation is swift. We've seen projects like this get delayed for years. The people of Kanyakumari and Ramanathapuram need this protection before the next cyclone season.
Investing in disaster preparedness is always money well spent. The collaboration between central and state agencies here is commendable. More states should follow this model.
The mention of replacing ageing equipment in Chennai is crucial. We can't rely on old tech when dealing with increasingly severe weather patterns. This is a step towards a more resilient Tamil Nadu.
While the radar network is important, I hope there's equal focus on communicating these warnings effectively to the last mile—villages, fishermen, and people in remote areas. Technology is only half the battle.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.