Bharat Forecast System: India’s Major Leap in Weather Prediction Technology

India is set to revolutionize its weather forecasting capabilities with the introduction of the ‘Bharat Forecast System’, a cutting-edge meteorological model developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Designed to deliver highly accurate and localized weather predictions, this new system is poised to become a critical tool—particularly during the monsoon season.

The Bharat Forecast System offers a significant upgrade over existing models, providing weather predictions at a granular 6-kilometer resolution, compared to the conventional 12-kilometer resolution. This advancement enables better forecasting of extreme weather events such as rainfall, cyclones, heatwaves, and storms—phenomena that are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.

At the heart of the system lies a trigonometric-cubic octahedral (TCO) grid, a modern computational approach that enhances spatial accuracy. This structural upgrade plays a crucial role in addressing India’s unique and rapidly changing climate conditions. The model, under development since 2017, has already demonstrated strong results: 64% accuracy in rainfall prediction and 30% accuracy for heavy rainfall events, a marked improvement over older forecasting systems.

The performance of the Bharat Forecast System is supported by India’s high-performance computing resources—‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’—which have drastically reduced the model’s processing time and improved forecast reliability. These supercomputers enable swift data processing, allowing real-time forecasting that can guide immediate action.

The implications of this system extend beyond meteorology. The Bharat Forecast System will play a strategic role in agriculture, disaster management, water resource planning, health services, and transportation. With more accurate and timely weather data, policymakers and administrators can take informed decisions to mitigate risks and improve preparedness.