Navi Mumbai is poised to receive its first-ever India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather observatory, a development set to significantly enhance meteorological coverage and forecasting accuracy for the city and the broader Raigad district. The new facility is being constructed within the premises of the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Filling a Critical Gap in Weather Monitoring
The establishment of this observatory addresses a long-standing need for dedicated weather infrastructure in the rapidly growing Navi Mumbai region. Until now, the area has relied on IMD observatories located in Mumbai's Colaba and Santacruz, with the next nearest one in Ratnagiri district. The lack of a local observatory had previously drawn criticism, especially after incidents where timely weather alerts could have mitigated public risk.
This gap was partially bridged with the installation of an automatic weather station in Kharghar. However, the upcoming full-fledged observatory represents a major upgrade. It will operate alongside the Aerodrome Meteorological Station (AMS) that became functional on December 25, 2025, coinciding with the airport's commercial launch.
Dual Role: Aviation Safety and Public Forecasting
The newly launched AMS already plays a critical role in aviation safety. It generates Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) every 30 minutes, providing pilots and Air Traffic Control with vital data on runway visibility, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and direction. Bikram Singh, director of IMD Mumbai, emphasized the report's importance for safe takeoff and landing decisions.
While the AMS focuses on aviation-specific metrics, the traditional observatory will expand the scope. It will be equipped with advanced instruments like wind profilers and automatic weather stations. This will enable the IMD to provide precise and localized weather forecasts, warnings, and readings for the entire Raigad district, benefiting the general public, agriculture, and disaster management authorities.
A Significant Step for Regional Infrastructure
Officials from the IMD aerodrome station highlighted that the new observatory will mark a substantial improvement in the region's meteorological network. "After Mumbai, the next IMD observatory lies in Alibaug. This new observatory will not only support aviation services but also provide enhanced forecasting for Navi Mumbai and Raigad district," an official stated.
The integration of the observatory within the airport complex allows for efficient data tracking and coordination. The move signifies a proactive step by the IMD to strengthen its observational network in Maharashtra, ensuring that Navi Mumbai and its surrounding districts receive weather information that is both timely and hyper-local.
