Tamil Nadu to install 1,000 rain gauges, four new radars

Tamil Nadu plans to add 1,000 automatic rain gauges (ARGs) this fiscal year (FY2026-27) and four new weather radars in the next few years to improve forecast accuracy and disaster preparedness, officials said on Thursday, 1 October. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will set up radars at Tiruchi, Kanniyakumari, Yercaud and Ramanathapuram. The state currently has 1,400 ARGs and 100 automatic weather stations, with the goal of covering every village panchayat.

B. Chandramohan, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management, said the state has identified 1,030 high-very high and 1,003 medium flood vulnerable locations, each with specific mitigation and response plans including evacuation triggers. The Integrated Flood Management Centre for Chennai generates street-level inundation forecasts three days ahead using data from multiple agencies.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the Northeast monsoon is likely to set in between 15 and 21 October. Southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala may see normal to above normal rainfall, while most other areas of the state may get below normal rainfall. Forecast accuracy is expected to improve by 10% in three years, he added.