About Us
The Atmospheric Research Testbed – Mumbai Radar and MESONET Network, led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is a pioneering initiative aimed at improving real-time rainfall monitoring and urban weather forecasting in the Mumbai metropolitan region. Recognizing the challenges posed by extreme monsoon rainfall and urban flooding, IITM has established India’s first urban weather radar network, comprising four short-range X-band polarimetric radars strategically located at Ville Parle, Navi Mumbai, Vasai Virar, and Kalyan Dombivli. These radars are positioned approximately 30 km apart to provide seamless, high-resolution rainfall coverage across the city. Complementing this, a dense MESONET of automatic rain gauges has been deployed to deliver high-frequency, ground-based rainfall observations. Together, these observational systems serve as a robust platform for real-time data sharing with disaster management agencies and civic bodies, supporting flood forecasting, nowcasting, and urban resilience planning. This effort highlights IITM’s commitment to advancing urban weather monitoring through cutting-edge technology and institutional collaboration.