In a bid to strengthen the weather forecasting network in Uttarakhand, considering the state’s vulnerability to disasters, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has proposed to establish 16 new Surface Meteorological Observatories in the state, under Integrated Himalayan Meteorology Program.
Currently, IMD has four surface observatories in Uttarakhand, located at Dehradun, New Tehri, Mukteshwar in Nainital district and Pantnagar in Udham Singh Nagar. IMD now aims to have at least one such manually run observatory in each district of the state.
Unlike Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), which are automated type of weather station for measuring temperature, wind speed and humidity, the surface meteorological observatories are manually operated by IMD staff or other trained experts and measures specific and detailed weather parameters, including cloud coverage, which is not covered by AWS.
Out of the total 16 proposed surface meteorological observatories in Uttarakhand, majority would be directly maintained and operated by IMD and some are likely to be operated as part-time observatories.