National Mission on Monsoon

The aims and objectives of the National Monsoon Mission are 

i. To set up a state-of-the-art dynamical prediction system for (a) improved prediction of monsoon rainfall on extended range to seasonal time scale (16 days to one season) and (b) improved prediction of temperature, rainfall and extreme weather events on short to medium range time scale (up to 15 days). 

ii. To build a working partnership between the academic and research organizations, both national and international and the operational agencies in the country to improve the skill of operational monsoon forecasts over the country. 

The proposed program after its implementation will lead to more accurate prediction of monsoon weather and climate in all time scales, short range to seasonal time scale at appropriate spatial scales. The forecasts based on this dynamical prediction system will cater to the needs of various sectors like agriculture, water resources management, power generation, disaster management, tourism, and transport. 

At present operational extended range to seasonal forecasts are prepared using statistical methods which have constraints and limitations. The monsoon mission will help us to implement a state-of-the-art dynamical prediction system with more accuracy and fidelity for extended range to seasonal forecasts in the country. 

Concerted effort is being made by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM - ESSO), Pune to improve the adopted coupled ocean-atmospheric Climate Forecast System (CFS) model in collaboration with USA towards improving extended range and seasonal scale monsoon forecasts. The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF - ESSO), NOIDA is putting efforts to improve the adopted unified model in collaboration with UK for medium range scale monsoon rainfall forecasts including extreme weather phenomena. Identified national and international academic and R& D groups will be involved to address associated scientific issues in the overall pursuit. Government has approved the scheme with an allocation of Rs. 400.00crores.