IMD Launches Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Decision Support System 2026 | आईएमडी की नई चक्रवात चेतावनी एवं समुद्री मौसम निर्णय सहायता प्रणाली

1. Why in News?

On 12 October 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, dedicated its Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS) to the nation. The platform is an interactive, WebGIS-based public information system designed to bring important cyclone and marine weather forecasts together in one place.

The system was introduced during the biannual Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting for the post-monsoon cyclone season of October–December 2026. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD, and Third Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organization.

2. What Is the New Decision Support System?

The Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services DSS is a digital platform that presents meteorological information through interactive maps and visual displays. It allows users to understand the geographical location of weather hazards and examine forecast information relevant to different areas.

The system is intended for disaster management authorities, government agencies and the general public. Its purpose is to make technical forecasts easier to interpret and use for preparedness and timely decision-making.

3. Official Website and Public Access

The platform is publicly accessible at https://dss.imd.gov.in/dwr_img/GIS/marine.php. Links to the service are also provided through the IMD website at https://mausam.imd.gov.in/ and the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre website at https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/.

The availability of an interactive public interface is important because meteorological information becomes more useful when authorities and citizens can identify warnings relevant to their own locations.

4. What Is WebGIS?

WebGIS means a Geographic Information System delivered through web technologies. A Geographic Information System organises and displays information associated with geographical locations.

For example, a WebGIS platform can display the predicted path of a cyclone on a map and overlay other information, such as rainfall warnings, wind distribution and coastal hazards. Users can examine spatial relationships that may be difficult to understand from a written forecast alone.

WebGIS does not eliminate uncertainty in forecasting. Its main advantage is the geographical presentation and integration of information.

5. Cyclone Track Information

The DSS displays observed and forecast cyclone tracks. An observed track describes the positions determined from available meteorological observations. A forecast track represents the expected future movement of the cyclone based on forecasting methods.

Track information is important because the location and movement of a cyclone influence which coastal and inland areas may experience hazardous weather.

6. Cyclone Intensity

The platform displays observed and forecast cyclone intensity. Cyclone intensity is closely associated with the strength of the storm and its maximum sustained winds.

Forecast changes in intensity are important because a cyclone may strengthen or weaken as it moves. Emergency authorities must therefore consider both the expected track and the expected strength of the system.

7. What Is the Cone of Uncertainty?

The DSS includes a cone of uncertainty associated with cyclone track forecasts. It is a graphical representation of uncertainty surrounding the predicted position of a cyclone's centre over the forecast period.

The cone should not be interpreted as the complete geographical extent of hazardous winds or rainfall. Dangerous weather can occur outside the predicted track cone. Users must consult the separate wind, rainfall and storm-surge warnings rather than relying on the cone alone.

8. Wind Distribution

Wind distribution maps help users understand how winds associated with a cyclone may affect different geographical areas.

Strong winds can damage buildings, trees, power lines, communication infrastructure and transport systems. Wind information therefore supports precautionary measures and operational planning.

9. District-Wise Rainfall Warnings

The DSS provides district-wise rainfall warnings. Such information can help authorities identify districts that may experience heavy or hazardous rainfall.

Heavy rainfall can cause urban flooding, river flooding, landslides in vulnerable terrain and disruption of transport. The likely consequences depend on local geography, drainage, exposure and vulnerability.

A district-level warning should be combined with local information before making decisions affecting particular villages or neighbourhoods.

10. River-Catchment Rainfall Forecasts

The platform includes rainfall forecasts for river catchments. A catchment is an area from which precipitation drains towards a common river, stream or other outlet.

Rainfall over a catchment can influence river flows and flood risk, depending on soil conditions, existing water levels, terrain and other factors. Catchment-based information can therefore be valuable for water-resource and flood-preparedness planning.

11. Storm Surge

Storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level associated with a storm, mainly caused by strong winds pushing seawater towards the coast, together with other meteorological influences.

Storm surge can inundate low-lying coastal areas and threaten homes, roads, ports and other infrastructure. Its effects can become more serious when combined with high tides and large waves.

The DSS presents storm-surge information as part of its integrated cyclone and marine weather services.

12. Why Are Marine Weather Services Important?

Marine weather forecasts are essential for shipping, fishing, ports, coastal infrastructure and maritime operations. Conditions at sea can change rapidly during severe weather.

Information about winds, cyclones and associated hazards can support decisions about navigation, port operations and the movement of vessels. The DSS improves the presentation of such information but does not replace official operational instructions or maritime safety communications.

13. Who Can Benefit from the System?

The intended users include disaster management authorities, government departments and members of the public. Coastal administrations, emergency planners and organisations responsible for maritime activities may find its geographical information particularly relevant.

For example, an authority preparing for a cyclone can examine forecast movement, rainfall warnings and potential coastal hazards together instead of consulting completely separate visual sources.

14. What Is a Decision Support System?

A Decision Support System is a computer-based arrangement that organises information to assist people in evaluating situations and making decisions.

It does not automatically replace human judgement. In disaster management, decisions may also require information about population, infrastructure, evacuation facilities, transport access and local conditions.

The new IMD system aims to bridge the gap between meteorological forecasting and practical preparedness.

15. Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction

An effective early-warning arrangement involves identifying hazards, monitoring conditions, issuing understandable warnings and enabling people to take protective action.

Accurate forecasts alone are insufficient if the information does not reach the people who need it or if they cannot act on it. The DSS strengthens the presentation and accessibility of cyclone-related information, while communication and local response remain essential parts of disaster preparedness.

16. Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting

The DSS was introduced during the Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting for the October–December 2026 post-monsoon season. The meeting reviewed preparedness and provided an opportunity for government organisations and sectoral stakeholders to discuss their requirements.

It also reviewed an Action Taken Report relating to recommendations made at the previous pre-cyclone meeting in April 2026.

17. Meeting Chairperson

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra chaired the meeting in his capacity as Director General of Meteorology, IMD. The official announcement also identified him as the Third Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organization.

For competitive examinations, students should distinguish his role at IMD from his international position within the WMO.

18. What Is the World Meteorological Organization?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations concerned with international cooperation in meteorology, climate and related fields.

Weather systems do not respect national borders. International exchange of observations, scientific knowledge and forecasting information is therefore important for monitoring cyclones and other hazards.

19. What Is RSMC New Delhi?

RSMC stands for Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre. RSMC New Delhi performs important regional functions relating to tropical cyclone monitoring and advisories for the North Indian Ocean.

The official IMD announcement identifies the RSMC New Delhi website as one of the public access points for the new DSS.

20. Importance of the Post-Monsoon Cyclone Season

The October–December period is an important part of the tropical cyclone season over the North Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Coastal states need timely information about developing systems because tropical cyclones can produce damaging winds, intense rainfall, flooding and storm surge.

The launch of the DSS during the seasonal preparedness meeting therefore has direct operational relevance.

21. Why Is the Bay of Bengal Important?

The Bay of Bengal is a major part of the North Indian Ocean. Tropical cyclones developing over the bay can threaten the eastern coast of India and neighbouring countries.

West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are among the Indian states where cyclone preparedness and coastal warning systems are particularly relevant, although the exposure of individual locations varies by storm.

22. Relevance for West Bengal and Odisha

For eastern India, cyclone forecasts are important for coastal districts, fishing communities, ports and areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall or inundation.

District-wise rainfall warnings and storm-surge visualisations may help officials understand potential hazards. Actual evacuation and protective decisions must also consider local conditions and directions from competent authorities.

23. Inter-Agency Coordination

The meeting included representatives from different ministries, departments and sectoral organisations. The official release specifically mentioned the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Department of Consumer Affairs and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.

Such coordination is important because cyclones can affect transport, shipping, supply chains, infrastructure and essential public services simultaneously.

24. Live Demonstration and Feedback

Participants attended a live demonstration of the DSS. The demonstration showed how users could access location-specific information about cyclones and associated hazards.

Stakeholders also provided comments and suggestions intended to improve the platform's operational usefulness. This means that the announcement concerned a publicly introduced system while further improvements could still be informed by user feedback.

25. Number of Participants

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences announcement, a total of 230 disaster managers and other stakeholders participated in the meeting.

This figure describes meeting participation. It should not be confused with the number of government agencies using the platform or the number of people receiving cyclone warnings.

26. Potential Benefits

The DSS may help users interpret weather forecasts more efficiently, identify geographical areas of concern and coordinate preparedness activities.

Combining cyclone movement, intensity, rainfall, winds and storm-surge information on one platform can reduce the effort required to compare separate forecasts.

However, the official release does not provide a measured percentage reduction in casualties, forecast errors or economic losses resulting from the new platform.

27. Limitations and Responsible Use

Forecasts contain uncertainty, especially as the forecast period becomes longer. Users should consult updated information and follow official warnings.

Online access may also be difficult during severe weather or in areas with poor connectivity. The platform should therefore be understood as an additional public information tool, not as a replacement for other warning and emergency communication channels.

28. UPSC GS-I Relevance

The topic is relevant to physical geography, tropical cyclones, atmospheric processes, the North Indian Ocean, coastal hazards and the relationship between weather systems and human settlements.

29. UPSC GS-III Relevance

The initiative is particularly important for disaster management, science and technology, digital public infrastructure and the application of geographical information systems.

A mains answer can examine how accurate forecasts, accessible visual information and coordinated local action together contribute to disaster risk reduction.

30. Important Examination Facts

• Initiative: Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System.
• Abbreviation: DSS.
• Launch date: 12 October 2026.
• Launching organisation: India Meteorological Department.
• Responsible ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Technology: Interactive WebGIS.
• Meeting: Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting.
• Season: October–December 2026.
• Chairperson: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
• His IMD position: Director General of Meteorology.
• His WMO position: Third Vice-President.
• Meeting participants: 230.
• Key information: Cyclone track, intensity, wind, rainfall, storm surge and river-catchment rainfall forecasts.
• Additional features: Cone of uncertainty and district-wise rainfall warnings.
• Primary users: Disaster managers, government agencies and the public.
• Direct platform URL: https://dss.imd.gov.in/dwr_img/GIS/marine.php.
• PIB Release ID: 2322562.

Official Sources

Ministry of Earth Sciences, Press Information Bureau, 12 October 2026, Release ID 2322562.

Official IMD Cyclone and Marine Weather DSS.