Top 3 Doppler weather Radar in Uttarakhand

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) operates the Doppler weather radar in Uttarakhand. The data from these radars is used to improve weather forecasts and warnings for the state.

Doppler radars are advanced weather radars that use the Doppler effect to provide more information than conventional radars. The Doppler effect is the change in frequency of a wave in relation to the movement of its source or its observer. In the case of weather radar, the radar transmits a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and the radiation is reflected back to the radar by rain, snow, hail, or other objects in the atmosphere. By measuring the change in frequency of the reflected radiation, the Doppler radar can determine the velocity (speed and direction) of the objects that are reflecting the radiation.

This additional information about the velocity of precipitation allows Doppler radars to provide a number of benefits over conventional radars, including:

• Improved detection of precipitation intensity: Doppler radars can distinguish between heavy rain, light rain, and non-precipitating clouds. This is because the velocity of raindrops is greater than the velocity of snowflakes or cloud droplets.
• Improved detection of wind shear: Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height. Wind shear can cause turbulence, which can be dangerous for aircraft. Doppler radars can detect wind shear by measuring the velocity of precipitation at different altitudes.
• Improved nowcasting: Nowcasting is the forecasting of weather conditions for the next few hours. Doppler radars can be used to track the movement of precipitation systems, which can help forecasters to predict where and when it will rain or snow.

There are currently three Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) operational in Uttarakhand, India. They are located at:

• Mukteshwar (inaugurated in 2018)
• Surkanda Devi (inauguration date unavailable)
• Lansdowne (inaugurated on February 23, 2024)

Mukteshwar Doppler weather Radar in Uttarakhand

The Mukteshwar Doppler Weather Radar (DWR)is the first one installed in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It was inaugurated in 2018 at the Institute of Temperate Horticulture Campus in Mukteshwar, Nainital district.

Here are the key points about the Mukteshwar Doppler Weather Radar (DWR):

First Doppler radar in Uttarakhand

Inaugurated in 2018, the Mukteshwar Doppler Radar holds the distinction of being the first of its kind installed in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at the Institute of Temperate Horticulture Campus in Mukteshwar, Nainital district.

Advanced X-band technology

The radar utilizes X-band technology, which offers several advantages over conventional radars. By measuring the Doppler effect (the change in frequency of a wave in relation to the movement of its source or observer), the radar can determine the velocity (speed and direction) of precipitation particles like rain, hail, or snow. This allows for:

• Improved detection of precipitation intensity: The radar can distinguish between heavy rain, light rain, and non-precipitating clouds based on the variations in the velocity of the particles.
• Enhanced wind shear detection: Wind shear refers to the change in wind speed or direction with height. This phenomenon can cause turbulence, posing a significant threat to aircraft. Doppler radars like the one at Mukteshwar can effectively detect wind shear by measuring precipitation velocity at different altitudes.
• Improved nowcasting: Nowcasting refers to weather forecasting for the next few hours. By tracking the movement of precipitation systems, the radar can aid meteorologists in predicting where and when it will rain or snow.

Improved weather forecasting and warnings

The Mukteshwar Doppler Radar is operated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The valuable data collected by the radar is instrumental in generating more accurate weather forecasts and warnings for the state of Uttarakhand. This information is crucial for disaster preparedness efforts, particularly in the monsoon season when the region is more prone to flash floods and landslides.

Overall, the Mukteshwar Doppler Radar plays a vital role in enhancing weather monitoring and prediction capabilities in Uttarakhand, contributing to improved public safety and disaster risk reduction.

Surkanda Devi Doppler weather Radar

The Surkanda Devi Doppler Weather Radar is one of the three Doppler radars operational in Uttarakhand, India.

Details about its inauguration date are not publicly available, but news reports indicate it became operational around March 2022.

Here are some key points about the Surkanda Devi Doppler Radar:

• Installed near the Surkanda Devi Temple in Tehri Garhwal district
• X-Band Radar with an observation range of 100 km
• Provides vital weather information for the disaster-prone Himalayan region of Uttarakhand
• Can detect potential for heavy rains, hailstorms, and strong winds up to two hours in advance
• Helps mitigate risks associated with flash floods and landslides common in the region
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• Improves overall disaster preparedness efforts

Lansdowne Doppler weather Radar

The Lansdowne Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is the newest of the three Doppler radars operational in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It was inaugurated on February 23, 2024.

Here are some key points about the Lansdowne Doppler Radar:

• Installed in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
• X-Band Radar with an observation range of 150 kms
• Provides essential weather services to benefit the people of Uttarakhand, especially over Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal and its neighboring districts
• Fac facilitates forecasters in generating nowcasts for severe weather events
• Improves numerical weather prediction modeling to improve model guidance

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