Nagpur to Receive Advanced ‘Made in India’ X-Band Doppler Radar Soon

In response to recent weather challenges, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is installing a state-of-the-art X-band dual-polarized Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Nagpur. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s weather monitoring capabilities, especially during the monsoon season.

Current Weather Monitoring in Nagpur

Nagpur currently relies on an S-Band DWR located at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, managed by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). This radar covers a range of up to 500 km, providing essential data for weather forecasting.

Need for the New X-Band Radar

In recent years, Nagpur has experienced several cloudbursts during the monsoon, leading to technical challenges with the existing S-Band radar. To address potential breakdowns and ensure continuous monitoring, the IMD has decided to introduce an additional DWR in the city.

Advantages of the ‘Made in India’ X-Band Radar

The upcoming X-Band DWR offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Being indigenously developed, it promises better performance and easier maintenance compared to the existing Chinese-made S-Band radar.
• Dual Polarization: This feature allows the radar to transmit and receive both horizontal and vertical polarizations simultaneously, providing clearer and more accurate data.
• High Resolution: While its range is between 100 to 150 km, the X-Band radar delivers high-resolution data, making it ideal for detailed local weather analysis.

Technical Specifications

The new radar operates within a frequency range of 9300 to 9500 MHz and is capable of detecting and estimating meteorological parameters associated with severe weather phenomena. It will also integrate with a Radar Calibration Station situated 25-30 km away, ensuring data accuracy.

Operational Advantages

Unlike the single polarization capability of the existing S-Band radar, the new X-Band radar’s dual polarization will enhance its ability to analyze precipitation types and improve overall weather prediction accuracy. Additionally, the system will be fully computer-controlled and remotely manageable, with data processing completed within eight minutes.

The installation of the advanced ‘Made in India’ X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Nagpur marks a significant step forward in the city’s meteorological infrastructure. This development will bolster the IMD’s ability to monitor and predict severe weather events, ensuring better preparedness and response for Nagpur’s residents.

1. What is the primary purpose of the new X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Nagpur?

   The new radar aims to enhance weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities, especially during severe weather events like cloudbursts.

2. How does the X-Band radar differ from the existing S-Band radar in Nagpur?

   The X-Band radar offers dual polarization and higher resolution data, covering a range of 100-150 km, whereas the S-Band radar has a longer range of up to 500 km but with single polarization.

3. Why is dual polarization important in weather radars?

   Dual polarization allows the radar to transmit and receive both horizontal and vertical signals, providing more detailed information about precipitation types and improving forecast accuracy.

4. Will the new radar replace the existing S-Band radar?

   No, the new X-Band radar will complement the existing S-Band radar, ensuring continuous monitoring even if one system encounters technical issues.

5. When is the new X-Band radar expected to be operational in Nagpur?

   The IMD has already placed the order for the radar, and it is expected to be installed and operational soon, although specific timelines have not been disclosed.