The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is the premier national agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismological studies in India. It is an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. The IMD was established in 1875 and is one of the oldest meteorological organizations in the world.
The main objectives of the IMD are to provide weather forecasts and warnings, to conduct research in meteorology and climatology, and to provide meteorological services to the aviation, marine, and agricultural sectors. The IMD operates a network of meteorological observatories and weather stations across the country, which provide data on temperature, precipitation, wind, and other weather parameters.
The IMD is responsible for issuing forecasts and warnings for severe weather events such as cyclones, heat waves, and cold waves. The organization also provides forecasts and warnings for the monsoon season, which is crucial for the agricultural sector in India. The IMD operates several forecast and warning systems, including the Cyclonic Storm Warning Division, the Agromet Advisory Service, and the Seismological Observatory.
The IMD also conducts research in various fields of meteorology and climatology, such as atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric physics, and atmospheric chemistry. The organization also provides meteorological services to the aviation sector, including weather forecasts and warnings for airports, and to the marine sector, including forecasts and warnings for ports and shipping.
The IMD also provides meteorological services to the public through its website and mobile app, which provide real-time weather information and forecasts. The organization also publishes a wide range of meteorological and climatological data, including weather maps, weather bulletins, and climate summaries.
IMD is also a member of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other international meteorological organizations, and works closely with other national meteorological agencies to exchange data and improve weather forecasting and warning services.