Bharat Forecast System: India’s high-resolution weather model
In News: What is the Bharat Forecast System: India’s high-resolution weather model
1. Context:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), the world’s first indigenously developed ultra-high-resolution weather forecasting model.
- Inaugurated by Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Marks a milestone under Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in climate science and disaster management.
2. Key Features of BFS:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Spatial Resolution | 6 km grid (world’s highest for operational models) |
| Developer | Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune |
| Operational Agency | India Meteorological Department (IMD) |
| Previous Model | 12 km resolution |
| Global Comparison | Surpasses US, UK, and EU models (9–14 km) |
| Computing Backbone | High-performance systems: ‘Arka’ (IITM Pune) & ‘Arunika’ (NCMRWF, Delhi) |
3. Accuracy & Performance:
- 64% improvement over previous IMD models.
- 30% better in forecasting extreme weather events (heavy rainfall, cyclones, heatwaves).
- Provides forecasts at panchayat/village level, improving community-level preparedness.
4. Applications & Significance:
- Agriculture: Better monsoon and extreme weather prediction for crop planning.
- Water Management: Efficient reservoir and irrigation planning.
- Infrastructure & Disaster Management: Early warning for cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.
- Economic Resilience: Supports sectors sensitive to weather fluctuations.
- Enhances India’s global standing in precision weather forecasting.
Updated - May 27, 2025 07:19 pm | The Hindu
Bharat Forecast System (BFS) India Meteorological Department (IMD) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune High-resolution weather model 6 km grid Arka & Arunika High-performance computing systems Extreme weather forecasting Disaster management Atmanirbhar Bharat Monsoon & rainfall prediction Cyclone & heatwave preparedness Village/panchayat-level forecasting Economic resilience Agriculture Water management Infrastructure Global comparison (US UK EU models) Operational since May 2025 Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)