Weather warnings need to be prompt as extreme events rise

Prediction of extreme weather events such as hailstorms and downpour in specific locations still remains a challenge for the country.

- M RAVICHANDRAN, SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCE

M Ravichandran, secretary, ministry of earth science speaks to Sandip Das on steps being taken to bolster weather forecasting systems.

Despite several years of normal or adequate monsoon rains, concerns are being raised about the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation. What are the key trends you are witnessing about rainfall pattern?

There used to be pre-monsoon drizzle for about 100 days earlier, but this has been reduced to 30-40 days. Extreme rainfall or heavy downpour events are increasing and light rainfall days are decreasing.