Government to Mandate Domestic Airlines to Share Weather Data for Improved Forecasting

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a landmark move to enhance weather forecasting accuracy the government is set to mandate domestic airlines to share real-time weather data collected during takeoffs and landings with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).   This initiative could significantly improve weather predictions as aircraft observations will supplement the IMD's current network of 50-60 weather balloon stations.

With over 6,000 daily flights in India this mandate could exponentially increase critical data inputs like temperature, humidity and wind speed at various altitudes.   M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences confirmed ongoing discussions with the Civil Aviation Ministry stating that the rule would be implemented within a year. "This data is vital not just for weather forecasting but also for safer and more efficient airline operations," he said.   Ravichandran emphasized that vertical weather observations, such as those from aircraft are more comprehensive than ground observations as they provide a complete atmospheric profile. He added, "The more data we collect, the better our predictions especially with the rising number of airports across the country."   

While aircraft on international routes already provide weather data as per global regulations, domestic airlines in India currently do so voluntarily. Ravichandran highlighted the need to make this practice mandatory, aligning India with international standards.   Aircraft gather weather data using onboard systems like Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) which can transmit information from regions where weather balloons are scarce, such as oceans or remote areas.   The IMD, established in 1875 and set to celebrate its 150th anniversary on January 15 aims to use this expanded data network to deliver more localized and accurate weather forecasts for the benefit of all sectors including aviation, agriculture Government to Mandate Domestic Airlines to Share Weather Data for Improved Forecasting and disaster management.