India's New Weather Forecasting System: BharatFS
India has ushered in a new era of weather forecasting with the launch of the Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS), a high-resolution global weather model developed jointly by IITM Pune, IMD, and NCMRWF-Noida. Officially launched on May 26, 2025, by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), this indigenous system marks a significant scientific and strategic milestone for the country.
A Revolution in Forecasting Technology
BharatFS uses the Triangular Cubic Octahedral (TCo) grid, operating at a 6 km horizontal resolution—a sharp upgrade from the earlier GFS T1534 model (12 km) and far more precise than most global systems (9–14 km). This resolution allows weather forecasts down to the panchayat and village level, making localized predictions accessible for farming and rural livelihoods. Powered by India’s supercomputers Arka (IITM-Pune) and Arunika (NCMRWF-Noida), BharatFS has slashed forecast runtimes from 12 hours to 3–6 hours, enabling near real-time prediction.
Global Leadership in Meteorology
Globally, BharatFS now stands as the only high-resolution operational model of its kind, placing India ahead of many advanced nations in meteorology.
Accuracy and Research Findings
During trials, BharatFS proved to be 30% more accurate in predicting extreme rainfall compared to older models. This improvement is crucial as India faces more frequent climate-driven disasters. The system not only enhances scientific forecasting but also strengthens disaster preparedness and management.
Benefits to People and Agriculture
Farmers: Timely sowing, irrigation, and harvesting decisions. Water authorities: Better reservoir management, reduced flood risks, and optimized water use. Disaster response: Faster, more targeted relief operations during floods, cyclones, and heatwaves.
Boosting Crop Yields and Livelihoods
Given that agriculture sustains nearly half of India’s population, localized and precise forecasts could significantly boost crop yields and protect livelihoods.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action
Developed entirely in India with no foreign dependency, BharatFS reflects the vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It proves India’s capability to design world-class scientific systems suited to its unique geography, from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats.
Regional Meteorological Leadership
Beyond national use, BharatFS enhances India’s role as a regional leader, offering reliable meteorological services to neighboring countries as well.
Why BharatFS Matters for India
As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, India faces unpredictable monsoons, floods, and cyclones. BharatFS directly addresses these challenges by: Delivering panchayat-level forecasts. Offering 30% greater accuracy in extreme rainfall predictions. Providing real-time updates to capture small-scale weather events.
Global Leader in Weather Science
This advancement places India among global leaders in weather science, shifting its role from a data recipient to a world-class innovator in meteorology.
The Bigger Picture
BharatFS is more than just a weather model—it is a national asset. By combining indigenous research, supercomputing power, and localized precision, it strengthens India’s climate resilience and scientific leadership.
Reinforcing Regional Influence
At a time when climate change is reshaping global weather patterns, BharatFS ensures that India has faster, sharper, and more reliable insights—from protecting farmers and citizens to reinforcing regional influence.