The Union Cabinet has approved Mission Mausam, a two thousand crore rupee programme to make India a weather-ready and climate-smart nation. The ambitious scheme aims to dramatically improve the accuracy of weather and climate information by deploying next-generation radars, satellite systems and high-performance computing.

It will expand the observation network across the country, upgrade forecasting models and deliver more precise warnings for extreme events such as cyclones, cloudbursts and heatwaves. The mission is expected to benefit sectors from agriculture and aviation to disaster management and urban planning.

Better monsoon forecasts could help farmers plan sowing and harvesting, while sharper nowcasts of severe weather would give authorities more time to act. The programme also seeks to build capacity in atmospheric science research and strengthen collaboration between the India Meteorological Department and academic institutions. Implementation will be phased, with priority given to vulnerable coastal and hilly regions. The programme will also strengthen early warning systems for cities facing urban flooding and heat stress.