IITM working on new weather prediction model

AHMEDABAD: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology ( IITM), Pune, is working on a Monsoon Mission (MM) project under which it plans to design a new weather prediction model, a top official said today.

"We are working on designing a weather prediction model which will help in improving forecast of Indian monsoon weather and climate. We expect the model to be ready in the next 3-4 years," IITM Director Professor B N Goswami said here.

In the city to deliver a lecture at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) on `Scaling the Potential Predictability Barrier of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall: An Indian Initiative', Goswami said once the model is developed, the aim would be to improve monsoon forecast skill through research and development.

The current model in use by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is a good one, he said, adding the IITM is working on developing a better state-of-the-art `dynamical prediction system'.

Admitting that perfect prediction is not possible, Goswami added nevertheless, skills of prediction can be improved.

The MM project is being carried out in collaboration with IMD, under which the Ministry of Earth Sciences has earmarked Rs 400 crore in the 12th Plan.