India Launches World’s Highest Resolution Weather Forecast System — BFS

In a significant stride toward self-reliance in meteorological science, the Government of India unveiled the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) on May 26, 2025. Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and powered by the high-speed supercomputer Arka, BFS aims to deliver the most accurate and localised weather forecasts in the world with an unprecedented 6 km x 6 km grid resolution. This launch marks a transformative upgrade from the previous 12-km models and brings India to the forefront of high-resolution weather prediction capabilities.

Why in News?

The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) was officially launched on May 26, 2025, by Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. It represents a major technological leap for India’s meteorological capabilities, improving disaster risk management, agricultural planning, and public safety with precise and ultra-local weather forecasting. Powered by the Arka supercomputer, BFS provides forecasts at a 6 km resolution — the highest in the world.

Key Features and Objectives of BFS

• Grid Resolution: 6 km x 6 km (from the previous 12 km), allowing fine-scale forecasting.

Supercomputer Arka

• Speed: 11.77 petaflops
• Storage: 33 petabytes
• Processes data in 4 hours vs. 10 hours by the earlier system (Pratyush).

Nowcasting Capability

• Provides forecasts for next two hours.
• Integrates data from 40 Doppler Weather Radars (to be scaled to 100).

Coverage and Reach

• Effective for tropical regions between 30°N and 30°S latitudes.
• Covers entire Indian mainland, which lies between 8.4°N and 37.6°N.

Comparative Global Context

Forecast resolution,

• European model: 9–14 km
• U.S. and British models: 9–14 km
• India’s BFS: 6 km – highest globally.

Background and Development

• Developed by scientists at IITM Pune, including Parthasarathy Mukhopadhyay.
• Supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Enabled by last year’s installation of Arka, India’s top-tier supercomputing facility for weather data.

Significance

• Enhances forecasting accuracy at district and panchayat levels.

Crucial for,

• Agriculture and farming advisories
• Water resource management
• Early warning systems for natural disasters
• Public safety and urban planning