Wayanad X-Band Doppler Radar: X-Band Doppler Weather Radar to Be Installed in Wayanad; Improved Early Warnings for Heavy Rain and Cloudburst-Like Events

X-Band Doppler Weather Radar to Be Installed in Wayanad; Improved Early Warnings for Heavy Rain and Cloudburst-Like Events The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the installation of an X-Band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Pulpally in Wayanad to strengthen weather monitoring and improve early warnings for extreme weather events. The project is being implemented by the IMD under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.

High-Resolution Monitoring Within a 100-km Radius The radar will provide high-resolution weather surveillance covering an area of approximately 100 kilometres around Pulpally. It will help detect and issue timely warnings for heavy rainfall, cloudburst-like events, and other severe weather conditions, enhancing disaster preparedness in the region.

Land Provided by Pazhassi Raja College The land required for the installation has been provided by Pazhassi Raja College, Pulpally, with coordination and support from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), according to the IMD. Expected to Be Operational by December 2026 The IMD stated that the radar installation and related infrastructure works are in the final stages.

Subject to the successful completion of all technical and operational acceptance tests, the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar is expected to be commissioned by the end of December 2026. More Accurate Weather Forecasts and Disaster Warnings Once operational, the radar will significantly strengthen weather observation over Wayanad and adjoining regions, enabling more accurate and timely weather forecasts and early warnings.

The system is expected to benefit disaster management agencies, district administrations, and the public by improving preparedness for extreme weather events.