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World Meteorological Day

Be it rain or sunshine, storm or hurricane, snowfall or drought - behind all these forms of nature, there is a major field of science which we call Meteorology. This science gives us information about the changes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere and alerts us about the upcoming weather.

On 23 March 1950, the "World Meteorological Organization" (World Meteorological Organization - WMO) was established under the auspices of the United Nations. Its headquarters is located in Geneva (Switzerland). This organization provides assistance to 190+ countries of the world in weather, climate, water resources, and environmental science.

Celebrated annually on March 23, World Meteorological Day was first observed in 1961 to honor the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Its purpose is:

To increase awareness of meteorology
To promote weather-related research and technology
To strengthen preparedness for disasters
To create global awareness about climate change

What is Meteorology?

Meteorology is a scientific field in which the structure of the atmosphere, its movement, and the events occurring in it (such as temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity, storm, etc.) are studied. This science works in areas like weather forecasting, climate change, environmental balance, and disaster warning.

Its main objective is -

Safety of human life
To provide correct weather-related information to agriculture, shipping, aviation, and other sectors
Cooperation in environmental protection

History of Meteorology in India

Meteorology in India began in 1875, when the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was established. Its headquarters is currently in New Delhi. In India, tasks such as weather forecasting, monsoon prediction, cyclone warnings, and earthquake measurement come under this department.

The importance of meteorology is very high in an agricultural country like India because:

Farmers depend on the weather to plant and harvest crops
Loss of life due to natural disasters can be reduced
It is possible to formulate policies towards climate change

Major areas of meteorology

Weather Forecasting: To predict how the weather will be in the coming few hours or days.
Climatology: Study of long-term weather changes, such as global warming, monsoon changes, etc.
Wind and atmospheric movement: Monitoring storms, cyclones, and atmospheric pressure conditions.
Weather Satellite and Radar Technology: Use of satellites for accurate forecasting and disaster warning.
Water Resources Management: Promoting water conservation by providing information about rainfall, floods, and droughts.

Importance of Meteorology

Use in Agriculture:

Monsoon predictions enable farmers to sow and harvest at the right time.
Crops can be protected by warning of drought or excess rainfall.

Natural Disaster Management:

Loss of life can be prevented by prior information about cyclones, earthquakes, floods, heat waves, snowfall, etc.
The government can start relief work on time.

Environmental Protection:

With information about climate change, it is possible to formulate policies to control carbon emissions.
Helps in maintaining climate balance.

Economic Impact:

Reducing weather-related losses saves crores of rupees.
Stability comes in the aviation, shipping, tourism, and agriculture sectors.

Climate Change and Meteorology

Climate change has become a serious global problem at present. The Earth's temperature is increasing, sea level is rising, melting of icy areas has accelerated, and the incidence of untimely rains or droughts has increased.

Under these circumstances, the role of meteorology has become even more important:

It provides us with a 'data-based warning system'
Suggests measures to reduce the effects of climate change
Helps in policy making on global forums

India's progress in meteorology

India has made many advances in meteorology in the last two decades:

Doppler radars: Installed across the country to get accurate information about storms and rain
Satellites like INSAT and METSAT: Use of satellites for weather monitoring
Mobile apps and SMS service: Weather information is sent to farmers and citizens
Multi-hazard early warning system: It has become possible to warn of multiple disasters simultaneously

Role of meteorology and the general public

Meteorology is not limited to scientists and experts only. The role of common citizens is also very important in this:

Take weather warnings seriously
Follow scientific advice in agricultural work
Be aware of climate change and participate in environmental protection
Use government apps and services (eg, Mausam App, Meghdoot App)

Future direction

As technology is developing, many innovations are also taking place in meteorology:

Forecasts are becoming more accurate with the help of AI and machine learning
Digital mapping and cloud technology have made data dissemination easier
Long-term weather cycles are being understood through big data analysis

India is also moving forward with the World Meteorological Organization to develop a system by 2040 where “every citizen can get accurate, timely and location-specific weather information”.

Message of World Meteorological Day

Climate protection is the responsibility of all of us
Use natural resources judiciously
Do not ignore disaster warnings
Increase the participation of students and youth in meteorology
Encourage global cooperation and scientific thinking

Final Thoughts

World Meteorological Day is not just a celebration of scientists; it is the day of all of us – those who face the brunt of changing weather every day, who look up to the sky like farmers for water, who sustain life in the sea, or fly planes to their destinations. This day is an opportunity to promote our awareness, understanding, and participation in meteorology.

When meteorologists work tirelessly to warn us through data, radar, and satellites, it is our duty to take their words seriously and make timely decisions. Let us take a pledge on this World Meteorological Day that we will respect nature, increase scientific consciousness, and bring about a big change through our small efforts towards environmental protection.