India Launches Indigenous High-Resolution ‘Bharat Forecast System’, Heralding Global Leap in Weather Prediction

New Delhi: In a landmark development, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh today unveiled the Bharat Forecast System, one of the world’s first indigenously developed high-resolution weather forecasting systems, at a ceremonial event held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Describing the moment as a giant leap for India’s scientific community, Dr. Singh said the new system aligns with the nation’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy, and will play a crucial role in reducing economic losses due to extreme weather, while boosting productivity across vital sectors like agriculture, transport, and disaster management.

Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the Bharat Forecast System enhances India’s forecasting resolution from 12 km to 6 km, allowing for village-level, location-specific predictions. “This is not only a breakthrough for India, but a model for other tropical nations grappling with complex weather dynamics,” the Minister said.

“The efforts are Indian, the technology is Indian, and the beneficiaries are Indian. This is true Atmanirbharta,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized.

In a proud tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’, Dr. Singh revealed that the pioneering forecast system is being led by four women scientists, calling it a “testament to PM Narendra Modi’s vision for women-led development.”

“Science ministries no longer empower women — we are being empowered by them,” he remarked, drawing applause from the audience.

Built using the Triangular Cubic Octahedral Grid model, the Bharat Forecast System significantly improves the accuracy of extreme weather forecasts — showing a 30% improvement in extreme rainfall prediction and 64% enhancement in core weather zones.

Dr. Singh underlined the broader goal of ‘Vikas Se Virasat’, where modern scientific innovation supports traditional sectors like farming, by minimizing crop losses and providing real-time climate intelligence.

The Minister praised the “Whole of Science, Whole of Government” approach that enabled this achievement, with close collaboration between IITM, India Meteorological Department (IMD), ISRO, and various other research agencies.

With over 20 ministries relying on weather services daily — from agriculture to aviation — the Bharat Forecast System strengthens the ease of living and doing business in India, while also contributing to global climate resilience.

The launch follows the rollout of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore initiative to upgrade India’s meteorological infrastructure, and continues the momentum built during IMD’s 150th anniversary, where PM Modi had called for transformative reforms in climate services.