Wind Profiler to Be Installed at Patna Airport for Real-Time Weather Forecasting

Patna: A wind profiler will soon be installed at Jaya Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna under Mission Mausam to provide real-time data on wind speed and atmospheric changes. Developed with the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the device is expected to be operational by the end of the year, along with similar installations in Ranchi, Kolkata, and other locations.

Currently, India’s only operational wind profiler is used for research at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. Once installed, the system will offer continuous updates on wind direction and speed, replacing the current method of launching hydrogen balloons with sensors at 5:30 am and 5:30 pm, which takes an hour to provide data.

The profiler works by using sound waves to measure atmospheric pressure and wind patterns, offering improved accuracy in weather forecasting. It will help detect fluctuations in atmospheric density and provide early warnings of climate change-related disruptions. Additionally, the system is expected to enhance flight safety by providing real-time wind data for aviation operations.