Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences inaugurated India's first SkyCast System at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi. The system marks a significant milestone in aviation meteorology and weather forecasting, making India the 19th country in the world to deploy an advanced integrated aviation weather monitoring system.
About SkyCast System
SkyCast is an advanced integrated aviation weather monitoring and forecasting system developed under Mission Mausam, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at enhancing India's weather prediction capabilities.
The scientific foundation of SkyCast is based on the Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX), a collaborative project launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune at IGI Airport in 2015.
The system integrates multiple state-of-the-art atmospheric monitoring technologies into a unified weather intelligence framework, enabling real-time assessment of weather conditions affecting aviation operations.
Key Features of SkyCast System
Integrated Weather Intelligence Platform
SkyCast combines real-time measurements of:
- Fog
- Aerosols
- Turbulence
- Moisture
- Visibility
- Atmospheric dynamics
This integration provides a comprehensive picture of weather conditions critical for safe and efficient aviation operations.
Radar Wind Profiler (RWP)
The Radar Wind Profiler forms the core of the SkyCast system.
It measures:
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
- Turbulence
- Vertical velocity
- Boundary-layer dynamics
These parameters are crucial for aircraft take-off, landing, and flight safety.
Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS)
GFAS is an advanced instrument used for monitoring:
- Fog droplets
- Aerosol particles
- Aerosol-fog interactions
The data helps improve understanding of fog formation and visibility conditions around airports.
CL61 Lidar-based Ceilometer
The ceilometer continuously monitors:
- Vertical structure of fog
- Cloud base height
- Visibility conditions
It provides real-time information essential for aviation weather forecasting.
Operational Capabilities
SkyCast can assess atmospheric conditions from the earth's surface up to nearly 10 kilometres altitude.
The system generates critical aviation meteorological parameters such as:
- Wind shear
- Turbulence indicators
- Fog formation probability
- Icing potential
- Visibility forecasts
These parameters help airport authorities and pilots make informed operational decisions.
Significance of SkyCast
Improved Aviation Safety
The system provides real-time weather intelligence to:
- Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airport authorities
This improves situational awareness and enhances flight safety.
Reduction in Flight Disruptions
Dense fog and turbulence frequently affect flight operations, especially during winter months in northern India.
SkyCast can help reduce:
- Flight delays
- Diversions
- Cancellations
- Operational costs
Support for Advanced Forecasting
The platform contributes to:
- High-resolution weather forecasting
- AI-enabled decision support systems
- Aviation weather modelling
- Early warning services
Wider Applications
Beyond aviation, SkyCast can support:
- Urban weather forecasting
- Air pollution management
- Transport advisories
- Disaster preparedness and response
- Climate and atmospheric research
Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at transforming India's weather and climate services through advanced observations, modelling, artificial intelligence, and next-generation forecasting technologies.
The initiative seeks to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and strengthen climate resilience across sectors.
Conclusion
The SkyCast System represents a major advancement in India's meteorological and aviation infrastructure. By integrating cutting-edge atmospheric sensing technologies into a single platform, it enhances aviation safety, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens weather forecasting capabilities. Its successful deployment at IGI Airport is expected to serve as a model for future expansion across other major airports in India.