Pune, 25 March 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Pune has introduced a Digital Surface Meteorological Observation System that will provide real-time weather data.
The system was inaugurated on Monday to mark World Meteorological Organisation Day 2026 by IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. This development marks a major step toward modernising India’s weather observation infrastructure.
The newly launched system has been designed and developed in-house by IMD’s Surface Instrument Division in Pune. It uses digital sensors integrated with Wi-Fi-enabled electronics to measure key weather parameters such as air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and rainfall.
The system also generates geo-tagged data, making it more efficient for meteorological analysis and forecasting.
With this upgrade, India joins several developed nations that have transitioned from traditional analogue and mechanical instruments to modern electronic systems.
The move also aligns with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty aimed at reducing the use of mercury-based instruments due to their harmful environmental and health impacts. India is a signatory to this agreement.
Global organisations, including the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), have been advocating for environmentally sustainable observation systems. IMD’s new digital system replaces mercury-based sensors, supporting both environmental protection and technological advancement.
Dr. Mohapatra said the initiative reflects IMD’s commitment to adopting modern, eco-friendly technologies while improving the accuracy and reliability of weather data.
The Office of Climate Research and Services at IMD Pune has now integrated this digital system into its surface observation network. The upgrade is expected to strengthen India’s weather monitoring capabilities and support better climate research and public forecasting services.
This initiative highlights IMD’s push towards innovation, sustainability, and enhanced meteorological services for the future.
