India has launched the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), an advanced, indigenously developed weather prediction model designed to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts across the country. Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, BFS became operational in May 2025 after three years of rigorous testing since its inception in 2022.
High-Resolution Forecasting: BFS operates on a 6 km x 6 km grid, doubling the spatial resolution compared to the previous 12 km grid models. This enhancement allows for more localized and precise weather predictions, reaching down to village and panchayat levels.
Advanced Computational Power: The system leverages 'Arka', a supercomputer with a capacity of 11.77 petaflops and 33 petabytes of storage, enabling faster and more detailed weather simulations.
Improved Accuracy and Speed: Forecast generation time has been reduced from 12–14 hours to just 4–6 hours. BFS has demonstrated a 30% improvement in predicting extreme rainfall events and a 64% enhancement in overall prediction accuracy compared to earlier models.
Enhanced Data Integration: Utilizing data from a network of 40 Doppler Weather Radars across the country, with plans to expand to 100, BFS provides more accurate and timely weather forecasts and nowcasts (short-term forecasts).
The BFS is expected to significantly benefit various sectors:
Agriculture: By providing precise weather forecasts, farmers can make informed decisions regarding planting and harvesting, thereby improving crop yields and reducing losses.
Disaster Management: Enhanced prediction capabilities allow for better preparedness and response to extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage.
Urban Planning and Public Safety: Accurate localized forecasts assist in infrastructure planning and ensure public safety during adverse weather conditions.
The implementation of BFS marks a significant advancement in India's meteorological capabilities, aligning with the nation's goal of self-reliance in science and technology.
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