What is the Bharat Forecast System: world’s highest resolution forecasting model

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) adopted the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), an indigenously developed weather prediction model boasting a 6-kilometre resolution grid. Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the world’s first indigenously developed high-resolution weather forecast systems at a launch ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan.

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What is BFS?

Bharat Forecast System (BFS) is a cutting-edge weather model that delivers high-accuracy forecasts at an ultra-fine spatial resolution of 6 kilometres. This places India ahead of global peers such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, whose models typically operate at 9 to 14 km resolution.

Developed indigenously by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the BFS replaces the older 12-km resolution model and is now operational at the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It marks a milestone under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in climate science and disaster management.

How does the BFS work?

The improved forecasting system is made possible with high-performance computing systems ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’ located at the IITM, Pune and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Delhi. This allows forecasters to issue timely alerts and fine-tuned predictions across a broad spectrum of weather phenomena, from rainfall to cyclones and heatwaves.

How accurate is the Bharat Forecast System?

According to the IMD, the BFS shows 64% better accuracy than previous models and delivers up to 30% improvement in forecasting extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall. This enhancement is crucial for India, a country frequently affected by monsoon variability and climate-induced disasters. Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the BFS is expected to contribute significantly to India’s economic resilience, especially in sectors like agriculture, water management, and infrastructure.

With climate volatility on the rise, the Bharat Forecast System positions India as a global leader in precision weather forecasting, ensuring that science serves communities from the national level down to the last village.