Why in News?
Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is in the news because of the recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art X-band Dual-Polarization radar in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, on April 24, 2026.
About
- A new X-band radar was commissioned at the High-Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory (HACPL) to monitor the Western Ghats' complex terrain.
- Mission Mausam Milestone: The government has committed to expanding the national DWR network to 126 radars by the end of 2026, up from 48 currently operational.
- Indigenous Technology: New installations, including a recent X-band DWR in Jorhat, Assam, are built indigenously by ISRO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- Enhanced Nowcasting: The latest radars are now being integrated with AI-powered models to provide hyper-local weather alerts (nowcasting) within a 3-hour window.
How it Works?
- Doppler Principle: It measures the change in frequency of radio waves reflected off moving objects (like raindrops). If rain moves toward the radar, the frequency increases; if away, it decreases.
- Velocity Data: Unlike conventional radar that only shows where rain is, DWR shows how fast it is moving, helping identify storm rotation and potential tornadoes.
- Dual-Polarization: Modern "Dual-Pol" radars send both horizontal and vertical pulses, allowing meteorologists to distinguish between rain, hail, snow, and even debris.
Types of Radar Bands Used in India
| Band |
Frequency |
Primary Use |
| S-Band |
2–4 GHz |
Best for long-range surveillance (up to 400–500 km) and tracking intense cyclones. |
| C-Band |
4–8 GHz |
Balanced range and sensitivity; used for tracking cyclones and medium-range weather. |
| X-Band |
8–12 GHz |
Short-range but high sensitivity; ideal for detecting lightning, thunderstorms, and cloud development. |
Strategic Importance
- Disaster Management: Essential for early warnings of cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
- Aviation Safety: Helps pilots detect severe turbulence and wind shear that might not be visible to the naked eye.
- Agricultural Impact: Accurate 3-hour "nowcasts" allow farmers to take immediate action to protect standing crops during sudden storms.
Monitoring Coverage in India
- Current Status: As of February 2026, there are 48 operational DWRs across India.
- Geographical Reach: Approximately 87% of India's landmass is currently covered by the radar network.
- Future Planning: New sites are prioritized for Bengaluru, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, and Port Blair to ensure "no weather hazard goes undetected".
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