India Meteorological Department facts for kids
| भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1875 |
| Type | Ministry |
| Jurisdiction | Government of India |
| Headquarters | Mausam Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi |
| Annual budget | ₹3.52 billion (US$60 million) (2011) |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent department | Ministry of Earth Sciences |
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is like India's official weather expert! It's a big organization run by the Government of India. Its main job is to tell people about the weather. This includes predicting if it will rain or be sunny. The IMD also keeps a close eye on big storms like tropical cyclones. It helps warn people when these dangerous storms are coming. The main office, or headquarters, is in New Delhi, India.
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What Does the IMD Do?
The IMD has a very important job: it helps everyone in India prepare for the weather. They collect information from all over the country. This data helps them understand what the weather is doing right now. Then, they use this information to guess what the weather will be like in the future.
Daily Weather Forecasts
Every day, the IMD tells us about the weather. They predict things like temperature, rainfall, and wind. These forecasts help you decide what to wear or if you need an umbrella. They also help farmers know when to plant or harvest their crops.
Tracking Dangerous Storms
One of the IMD's most crucial tasks is watching for severe weather. They track big storms like cyclones, which can cause a lot of damage. When a cyclone is forming, the IMD sends out warnings. These warnings give people time to get to safety. They also help emergency teams prepare for the storm.
Special Weather Services
The IMD provides special weather information for different groups.
- Farmers: They get advice on when to sow seeds or protect their crops.
- Fishermen: They receive warnings about rough seas or strong winds. This helps them stay safe while fishing.
- Aviation: Pilots and airports use IMD data for safe flights.
- Disaster Management: Government agencies rely on IMD forecasts to plan for floods, droughts, or heatwaves.
How Does the IMD Work?
To predict the weather, the IMD uses many tools and technologies. They have a network of weather stations across India. These stations collect data like air pressure, humidity, and wind speed.
Advanced Technology
The IMD uses modern technology to gather and analyze weather data.
- Satellites: These orbit the Earth and send back pictures of clouds and storms.
- Radars: These devices send out radio waves to detect rain, snow, or hail.
- Supercomputers: Powerful computers help process huge amounts of weather data very quickly. They run complex models to predict future weather.
Weather Observatories
The IMD has many observatories. These are places where scientists constantly watch the weather. They use special instruments to measure different weather elements. This detailed local information is vital for accurate forecasts.
A Brief History of the IMD
The India Meteorological Department is one of the oldest science organizations in India. It was started a long time ago, in 1875.
Before the IMD, there were smaller weather observatories. But after some big famines and cyclones, the government realized they needed a single, strong organization. This new department would help protect people from extreme weather events. Over the years, the IMD has grown and improved its methods. Today, it uses the latest technology to serve the people of India.
