📡 Weather Forecasting & Meteorological Services
Learn IMD weather forecasting methods and Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) for CUET Agriculture. Synoptic, NWP and statistical approaches covered.
Weather Forecasting Methods
Accurate weather forecasting is essential for agriculture — it helps farmers decide when to sow, irrigate, spray pesticides, and harvest. Three main approaches are used:
- Synoptic method: Based on weather maps and satellite imagery — meteorologists analyze patterns of pressure systems, fronts, and cloud formations to predict upcoming weather.
- Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Uses computer models that solve complex mathematical equations representing atmospheric physics. This is the most advanced and widely used method today.
- Statistical methods: Based on historical data and probability — past weather patterns are analyzed to estimate the likelihood of similar conditions occurring.
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the official weather agency of India, headquartered in New Delhi and established in 1875. IMD is responsible for weather observations, forecasting, and issuing warnings for cyclones, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
IMD issues weather forecasts at multiple timescales:
Pro Content Locked
Upgrade to Pro to access this lesson and all other premium content.
₹99 charged monthly · Cancel anytime
- All Agriculture & Banking Courses
- AI Lesson Questions (100/day)
- AI Doubt Solver (50/day)
- Glows & Grows Feedback (30/day)
- AI Section Quiz (20/day)
- 22-Language Translation (100/day)
- Recall Questions (20/day)
- AI Quiz (15/day)
- AI Quiz Paper Analysis (100/day)
- AI Step-by-Step Explanations (100/day)
- Spaced Repetition Recall (FSRS)
- AI Tutor
- Immersive Text Questions
- Audio Lessons — Hindi & English
- Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Summary & Mind Maps
- XP, Levels, Leaderboard & Badges
- Generate New Classrooms
- Voice AI Teacher (AgriDots Live)
- AI Revision Assistant
- Knowledge Gap Analysis
- Interactive Revision (LangGraph)
🔒 Secure via Razorpay · Cancel anytime · No hidden fees
Weather Forecasting Methods
Accurate weather forecasting is essential for agriculture — it helps farmers decide when to sow, irrigate, spray pesticides, and harvest. Three main approaches are used:
- Synoptic method: Based on weather maps and satellite imagery — meteorologists analyze patterns of pressure systems, fronts, and cloud formations to predict upcoming weather.
- Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Uses computer models that solve complex mathematical equations representing atmospheric physics. This is the most advanced and widely used method today.
- Statistical methods: Based on historical data and probability — past weather patterns are analyzed to estimate the likelihood of similar conditions occurring.
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the official weather agency of India, headquartered in New Delhi and established in 1875. IMD is responsible for weather observations, forecasting, and issuing warnings for cyclones, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
IMD issues weather forecasts at multiple timescales:
| Forecast Type | Time Range |
|---|---|
| Nowcast | 0–3 hours |
| Short range | Up to 3 days |
| Medium range | 4–10 days |
| Extended range | 2–4 weeks |
NOTE
The Agromet Advisory Service is typically based on medium-range forecasts (4–10 days), giving farmers enough lead time to act on the guidance.
Agromet Advisory Services (AAS)
Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) is a service provided by IMD in collaboration with ICAR that delivers crop-specific weather advisories to farmers. These advisories guide farmers on:
- Sowing and transplanting — when conditions are right
- Irrigation scheduling — based on upcoming rainfall forecasts
- Fertilizer application — avoiding application before heavy rain (which causes nutrient runoff)
- Pest and disease management — timing sprays based on forecast humidity and temperature
- Harvesting — avoiding wet spells that damage ripened crops
How does AAS reach farmers?
AAS advisories are disseminated through multiple channels: **SMS messages** to farmers' mobile phones, **radio broadcasts**, **Kisan Call Centres**, and through **Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)** at the district level. The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) scheme specifically targets **block-level** advisories to reach smallholder farmers in remote areas.Key Points to Remember
- IMD established: 1875; headquarters: New Delhi
- Three forecasting methods: Synoptic, NWP (computer models), Statistical
- IMD forecast ranges: Nowcast (0–3 hr) → Short range (3 days) → Medium range (4–10 days) → Extended (2–4 weeks)
- AAS = IMD + ICAR collaboration; delivers crop-specific advisories
- AAS advisories guide sowing, irrigation, fertilizer, pest management, and harvesting decisions
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept / Topic | Key Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Weather Forecasting — Purpose | Helps farmers decide sowing, irrigation, spraying, and harvesting timing. |
| Synoptic Method | Based on weather maps and satellite imagery; analyzes pressure systems, fronts, cloud patterns. |
| Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) | Uses computer models solving mathematical equations of atmospheric physics; most advanced method. |
| Statistical Methods | Based on historical data and probability; estimates likelihood of similar past conditions. |
| IMD — India Meteorological Department | Official weather agency of India. Established: 1875. Headquarters: New Delhi. |
| IMD Forecast Types | Nowcast: 0–3 hours. Short range: up to 3 days. Medium range: 4–10 days. Extended range: 2–4 weeks. |
| Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) | Joint service of IMD + ICAR; delivers crop-specific weather advisories to farmers. |
| AAS Guidance Areas | Sowing/transplanting, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer application, pest & disease management, harvesting. |
| AAS Based On | Medium-range forecasts (4–10 days) — gives farmers enough lead time. |
| AAS Dissemination Channels | SMS, radio broadcasts, Kisan Call Centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). |
| GKMS Scheme | Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva — targets block-level advisories for smallholder farmers. |
Lesson Doubts
Ask questions, get expert answers