New X-Band Radars: In a significant development aimed at improving rain forecasting and flood preparedness, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, are set to enhance the weather monitoring system for Pune and surrounding areas. Four new X-Band polarimetric radars will soon provide Pune residents with rainfall alerts up to five hours in advance. (New X-Band Radars)
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These high-resolution X-Band radars will form India’s first urban radar network, centered around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, covering key areas such as Panvel, Vasai-Virar, Vile Parle, and Kalyan-Dombivli. While primarily focused on Mumbai, the radar network is also expected to benefit Pune and parts of the Konkan region by offering early warnings for localized heavy rainfall events.
Real-Time Rain Forecasting
The radar network, which underwent testing last year, became operational from the start of the 2025 monsoon season. It will generate weather data every few minutes, offering high-resolution updates at 50-meter intervals. With each radar having a range of 60 km, the combined network will monitor an area of nearly 50,000 square kilometers.
According to weather scientists at IITM Pune, these radars will significantly improve nowcasting capabilities – enabling real-time tracking and prediction of short-term weather phenomena like cloudbursts, thunderstorms, and intense rainfall, often responsible for urban flooding.
Why X-Band?
Unlike traditional S-Band or C-Band radars, which require large installations and are designed for broader weather systems, X-Band radars are compact and better suited for dense urban areas like Mumbai. Their antennas measure only 1 meter in diameter and are capable of scanning lower atmospheric levels, providing better detection of weather events close to the ground, especially in cities with high-rise buildings.
Improved Flood Preparedness
This radar system is expected to provide flood alerts five to six hours before potential disasters strike, allowing civic bodies and residents to take timely precautions. The initiative also includes real-time rainfall data collection from 139 stations across Mumbai, which will be integrated into the radar system for a comprehensive monitoring framework.
Shifting from a reactive to a proactive weather response strategy, this technological advancement is expected to significantly reduce the impact of sudden rain events and enhance urban resilience.
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