बिहार मौसम सेवा केंद्र
योजना एवं विकास विभाग, बिहार सरकार
Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (BMSK) combines dense ground observations, high-resolution forecasting, real-time data visualization, scientific computing, public communication channels, and strong research collaborations. Together, these components create a seamless weather ecosystem that captures local conditions, analyses evolving risks, and delivers clear, accessible information to citizens and government agencies. With continuous upgrades including a forthcoming High-Performance Computing system, BMSK is building a modern, science-driven framework that strengthens early warning capability, supports climate resilience, and enhances decision-making across sectors in Bihar.
BMSK operates one of India's densest ground-based meteorological observation networks, comprising over 535 Automatic Weather Stations and 8,300+ Automatic Rain Gauges deployed across districts, blocks, and panchayats. These instruments record temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, pressure, and rainfall at 15-minute intervals, enabling highly localized weather monitoring. Real-time telemetry ensures continuous data transmission to central servers. This dense observational coverage supports agriculture planning, flood and drought monitoring, fog detection, heat and cold wave assessment, and disaster preparedness. Regular calibration, field inspections, and system health monitoring ensure data accuracy, reliability, and uninterrupted weather surveillance across Bihar.
The BMSK Weather Dashboard serves as the central digital platform for real-time weather monitoring across Bihar. Updated every 15 minutes, it integrates live observations from the AWS and ARG network and presents them through intuitive GIS-based maps, charts, and data layers. Users can monitor rainfall intensity, temperature distribution, humidity changes, wind patterns, and emerging weather risks at district and block levels. Colour-coded visualizations simplify interpretation for government departments, disaster management agencies, researchers, farmers, and the general public. The dashboard plays a critical role in situational awareness, operational decision-making, and transparent dissemination of verified weather information across the state.
The Mausam Bihar Mobile App is BMSK's primary citizen-facing digital platform, designed to deliver accurate, location-specific weather information in a simple and accessible format. The app automatically identifies the nearest observation station and displays real-time temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and visibility conditions. It also provides district- and block-level forecasts, rainfall summaries, fog-related updates, and seasonal advisories. Built with bilingual support (Hindi and English) and optimized for low data usage, the app ensures wide accessibility. It enables citizens, farmers, and field workers to make informed daily decisions based on reliable and official weather information.
The Megh Mitra 24×7 Weather Helpdesk functions as BMSK's round-the-clock public communication and support system. Trained personnel provide accurate information on current weather conditions, short-term forecasts, rainfall trends, heat and cold wave conditions, and ongoing hazards – seasonally and location-based. During extreme weather events, the helpdesk plays a crucial role in disseminating verified alerts and safety guidance while addressing public queries. As it is a two-way communication system, the ground-level reports from citizens also enhances situational awareness and support operational monitoring. By maintaining continuous two-way communication, the helpdesk ensures weather information is understandable, trustworthy, and actionable.
BMSK maintains a comprehensive and structured archive of meteorological data collected across Bihar since 2021. The system stores observations, rainfall summaries, alerts, seasonal analyses, temperature trends, fog statistics, and hazard records using standardized metadata and quality control protocols. An automated system converts complex datasets into clear charts, heatmaps, and comparative visuals for preparation of the Daily Weather Bulletins, Reports and presentations – minimising the likelihoods of human error. The archival and analytics framework promotes transparency, supports data-driven governance, and enables long-term climate and risk assessments across the state.
A robust instrumentation and maintenance framework ensures the reliability of BMSK's extensive observation network. Field teams conduct routine inspections, sensor cleaning, calibration checks, battery replacement, solar panel maintenance, and telemetry diagnostics. Special maintenance cycles are carried out before monsoon and winter seasons to ensure uninterrupted data flow during periods of high weather variability. BMSK works closely with technology providers to improve sensor performance and network resilience. Plans include gradual integration of additional instruments such as visibility meters, and water-level gauges to strengthen weather monitoring, hydrological assessment, and impact-based analysis.
BMSK actively engages in scientific collaboration, training, and capacity building to strengthen Bihar's weather and climate services. Partnerships with national and international institutions support research on monsoon behaviour, fog characteristics, hydrology, heat stress, and climate variability. Regular training programs are conducted for government officials, researchers, students, and field staff, covering forecast interpretation, GIS tools, instrumentation, climate literacy, and disaster preparedness. Internship programs provide hands-on exposure for young professionals. These initiatives ensure continuous skill development, operational excellence, and the growth of a strong scientific ecosystem supporting weather-related decision-making in Bihar.
