Physical Geography Block-Level Monsoon Forecasting in India Context : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced a new weather forecasting system capable of providing block-level southwest monsoon forecasts across 15 states and one Union Territory. About the New Forecasting System This system was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It uses a combination of: Artificial Intelligence (AI) based analysis Historical weather records Global weather forecast models Coverage of the System It currently covers 3,196 blocks. These blocks are spread across 15 states and 1 Union Territory. Primary focus is given to monsoon core regions that rely heavily on rainfall for agriculture. About Indian Meteorological Department The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 as the National Meteorological Service and apex agency for meteorology in India. The IMD functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Its headquartered in New Delhi. The IMD is headed by the Director General of Meteorology (DGM). The IMD operates hundreds of observatories across India and Antarctica.
