By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 25: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Shillong plans to establish a manual climatological observatory and exhibition centre at Mawsynram, the ‘wettest’ place on Earth.
Head of IMD Shillong, Thangjalal Lhouvum, said the facility will enhance weather observation, research, and public awareness in the rainfall-intensive region.
The IMD also intends to set up a Meteorological (MET) Office in Tura, equipped with a GPS Radiosonde station to strengthen upper-air observations. Additionally, the department has proposed installing Doppler Weather Radar stations in both Shillong and Tura.
These systems will be essential for issuing severe weather warnings and supporting Impact-Based Forecasts (IBFs) to help communities prepare for extreme weather.
Regarding outreach, Lhouvum noted that after introducing nowcasting services in Khasi last year, the department is now collaborating with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to provide forecasts in Garo.
The IMD has already achieved block-level coverage across the state through a partnership with the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA). Further plans include deploying weather “adapters” at key locations, including tourist destinations, agricultural hubs, high-rainfall zones, and areas along the international border with Bangladesh.
