Source: ET
Context: The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) on May 26, 2025.
- It is the world’s highest-resolution weather prediction model using a 6 km x 6 km grid, powered by India’s supercomputer Arka.
About Bharat Forecasting System (BFS):
- What is BFS?
- BFS is India’s most advanced numerical weather prediction system.
- It provides highly localized, short-term weather forecasts up to panchayat level using ultra-high-resolution grids.
- Developed by
- Developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
- Led by researcher Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay.
- How It Works?
- Utilizes supercomputer Arka (11.77 PetaFLOPS, 33 Petabyte storage) to run simulations faster (within 4 hours).
- Uses real-time inputs from 40+ Doppler Weather Radars, which will soon expand to 100.
- Processes data for regions between 30° South to 30° North latitude, covering tropical zones including India.
- Key Features:
- Highest global resolution: 6 km grid (compared to 9–14 km used by EU, UK, US models).
- Faster processing: Cuts prediction time by 60% compared to previous model Pratyush.
- Covers India comprehensively: Including small villages and blocks.
- Supports nowcasting – forecasts for the next 2 hours.
- Significance:
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Enables quicker evacuation and flood alerts.
- Agricultural Resilience: Assists farmers with timely rainfall, heatwave, and drought warnings.
- Water Resource Planning: Better irrigation management and reservoir operations.
- Food Inflation Management: Helps stabilize prices by reducing crop losses.
- Public Health: Early warning for heatwaves and pollution episodes.
