Enhanced Weather Surveillance and Disaster Mitigation Capabilities in Central India

Abstract

The central Indian region, particularly Madhya Pradesh, faces increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and urban flooding, which are exacerbated by climate variability. This region, home to ecologically sensitive zones and diverse topography, plays a crucial role in the country’s climatic balance. Recently in September 2023, a breaking extremely heavy rainfall event occurred over central India from September 15 to 17, 2023. To address these, we propose the installation of a C-band Doppler Weather Radar in Indore to enhance weather prediction, rainfall estimation, and extreme weather monitoring. The proposed Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at IIT Indore would significantly enhance network-based studies by filling existing observational gaps in central India. It will complement the exciting radar network in Madhya Pradesh (IITM Shilkheda radar and IMD Bhopal radar). From a climatological perspective, the radar will improve the understanding of mesoscale weather phenomena, regional precipitation patterns, and long-term climate variability in central India. Furthermore, it will aid in flood forecasting for key river basins such as the Narmada and Kshipra, thereby contributing to disaster preparedness and response. From a socio-economic viewpoint, this radar will have significant benefits for urban planning, particularly in the rapidly growing smart cities of Indore, Ujjain, and Dewas, as well as during large religious gatherings, which attracts millions of pilgrims. Reliable weather forecasting will not only safeguard lives and infrastructure but also ensure the smooth functioning of key economic and cultural activities in the region. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.