The Ministry of Earth Sciences today launched the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), a high-resolution global numerical model designed to deliver operational weather forecasts down to the panchayat level. With a high resolution of 6 km, the system is among the most advanced globally and is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to predict extreme rainfall events and other localized weather phenomena.
Dedicating the model to the nation, Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the indigenously developed system was created by a team of five female scientists, reflecting India’s progress in women-led development.
Launched the first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art indigenous “Bharat Forecast System” #BharatFS by ‘India Meteorological Department’ under the Ministry of Earth Sciences #MoES.
A major leap in IMD’s capabilities, this breakthrough places India among global leaders in weather… pic.twitter.com/Qs1RMBaqga
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 26, 2025
Dr. Singh also emphasized the broader economic impact of accurate forecasting. He noted that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has played a crucial role in supporting India’s rise to the world’s fourth-largest economy, contributing an estimated Rs 50,000 crore in recent years by mitigating potential losses and enhancing gains through timely weather predictions.
He said, “The system will boost monsoon tracking, aviation, cyclone and disaster management, agriculture, waterways, defence, flood forecasting, and also support key ministries. It’s exclusive highlight is that it focuses and caters to India’s Panchayat level requirements.”
Developed by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the BFS sets a new global standard for weather prediction. Its high-resolution output will enable more precise identification of small-scale weather patterns, helping the IMD to deliver more accurate and localized forecasts than ever before.
