Five New Doppler Radars for TN to Boost Early Warning System Across the State
Five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system marks a major step toward strengthening weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in Tamil Nadu. The State is preparing to install five additional Doppler Weather Radars to improve cyclone tracking, rainfall monitoring, and timely alerts for extreme weather events. This expansion is expected to address long-standing gaps in radar coverage and improve the accuracy of weather warnings.
The new radars will be installed at Kanniyakumari, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Yercaud, and Ramanathapuram under the plan to strengthen weather monitoring. Five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system will help authorities closely track weather changes across both coastal and interior districts that frequently face heavy rainfall and cyclonic activity.
Three of the new systems will be set up under the central government’s Mission Mausam programme, while the remaining two will be installed through a special initiative of the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency. These combined efforts aim to build a stronger and more reliable weather surveillance network across the State.
At present, Tamil Nadu relies on a mix of Doppler radars located within the State and in neighbouring regions. These include an older S-band radar at Chennai Port, an X-band radar at the National Institute of Ocean Technology, and additional systems at Kalpakkam, Karaikal, and Sriharikota for coastal monitoring. Interior regions receive support from radars in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Sulur.
Despite this network, officials acknowledged that large parts of central and southern Tamil Nadu remain inadequately covered. Areas such as Tiruchy and Kanniyakumari continue to face challenges due to limited radar reach, affecting the accuracy of rainfall forecasts and cyclone warnings. The introduction of five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system is expected to bridge this gap.
Five New Doppler Radars for TN to Boost Early Warning System in Vulnerable Regions
Many of the regions selected for the new installations are highly vulnerable to extreme weather. Central Tamil Nadu and southern districts receive rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons, while coastal districts are often exposed to cyclones forming over the Bay of Bengal.
Officials said the selection of locations was based on factors such as the need for continuous monitoring, higher radar density in coastal and hilly regions, and improved coverage in disaster-prone and densely populated areas. Replacing ageing equipment and ensuring backup systems in sensitive zones were also key considerations.
In the past, limited Doppler radar coverage affected the accuracy of weather predictions, especially during cyclones and heavy rain events. In some cases, warnings did not fully reflect the intensity or movement of weather systems, impacting farmers, fishermen, and the general public.
With five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system, authorities expect more precise tracking of cloud movement, rainfall intensity, and wind patterns. This will allow for earlier alerts, giving communities more time to prepare and respond.
Five New Doppler Radars for TN to Boost Early Warning System and Forecast Accuracy
The expanded radar network is expected to significantly improve forecast accuracy across the State. Better coverage of interior regions will help meteorologists monitor local weather changes that were previously difficult to detect.
Improved early warnings can reduce loss of life and property during cyclones, floods, and extreme rainfall events. Local administrations will be better equipped to plan evacuations, manage water resources, and deploy emergency services efficiently.
Farmers are likely to benefit from more reliable rainfall forecasts, helping them make informed decisions about agriculture. Fishermen can also receive timely alerts about rough sea conditions, improving safety along the coast.
Officials noted that strengthening weather infrastructure has become essential as extreme weather events increase. The addition of five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system moves the State closer to a comprehensive and dependable weather surveillance network. Also Read: Tamil Nadu to Boost Cyclone Tracking with Five New Doppler Weather Radars
Conclusion
Five new Doppler radars for TN to boost early warning system marks a major step forward in strengthening weather monitoring and disaster preparedness. With improved coverage and accurate forecasts, the State is better positioned to protect lives and livelihoods during extreme weather events.
