IMD launches its first AI-based monsoon advance forecast and a 1-km rainfall forecast pilot for Uttar Pradesh
On 12 May 2026 Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched IMD's first AI-driven 'Forecast of Monsoon Advance' for 16 states and over 3,000 sub-districts, and a 1-km resolution rainfall forecast pilot for Uttar Pradesh.
Summary
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) introduced its first artificial intelligence-driven system, an AI-enabled 'Forecast of Monsoon Advance over Different Parts of the Country', launched by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on 12 May 2026. The product will support farmers in 16 states and more than 3,000 sub-districts through the Agriculture Ministry's dissemination framework. A second product, a High Spatial Resolution Rainfall Forecast for Uttar Pradesh, will give rainfall forecasts at 1-km resolution up to 10 days ahead as a pilot. Both were developed jointly by IMD, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
Key facts
- Launched
- 12 May 2026 by Dr Jitendra Singh
- Product 1
- IMD's first AI system: Forecast of Monsoon Advance; 16 states, 3,000+ sub-districts
- Product 2
- 1-km rainfall forecast up to 10 days, pilot for Uttar Pradesh
- Developed by
- IMD, IITM Pune and NCMRWF
Practice MCQs 2 questions
For which state did IMD launch a pilot rainfall forecast at 1-km spatial resolution in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
The High Spatial Resolution Rainfall Forecast for Uttar Pradesh gives 1-km resolution forecasts up to 10 days ahead as a pilot service.
IMD's AI-enabled 'Forecast of Monsoon Advance' (May 2026) is designed to support farmers in how many states?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 16
The product supports farmers across 16 states and more than 3,000 sub-districts through the Agriculture Ministry's dissemination framework.