IMD to install 200 Automatic Weather Stations across four metros in 2026
At the India Meteorological Department's 151st Foundation Day on 15 January 2026, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced 50 Automatic Weather Stations each for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune in 2026.
Summary
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will install 200 Automatic Weather Stations in 2026 — 50 each in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune — Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced at IMD's 151st Foundation Day on 15 January 2026. The dense network is meant to improve hyper-local, real-time forecasting of sudden downpours, thunderstorms and extreme heat in crowded cities. Singh said forecast accuracy has improved by over 40–50 per cent, and that the government will set up Centres of Excellence and new Regional Meteorological Centres to expand IMD's reach.
Key facts
- Occasion
- IMD 151st Foundation Day, 15 January 2026
- Announcement
- 200 Automatic Weather Stations in 2026
- Cities
- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune — 50 each
- Forecast accuracy
- Improved by over 40–50%
- Plans
- Centres of Excellence; new Regional Meteorological Centres
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which of the following cities is NOT among the four metros where IMD will install 50 Automatic Weather Stations each in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kolkata
PIB (Earth Sciences): the four cities are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune. Kolkata is not among them.
Which Foundation Day did the India Meteorological Department celebrate on 15 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 151st
PIB (Earth Sciences): IMD celebrated its 151st Foundation Day.