India's increased rainfall presents water management opportunities

R Krishnan, the director of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), spoke at the Eighth International Workshop on Monsoons in Pune. He noted that India has seen increased rainfall since 2013 and is likely to continue experiencing this trend in the coming decade. Krishnan linked global warming to heavy rainfall across the globe, including India. He suggested that the increased rainfall presents a chance to improve water management and storage systems. The workshop aims to enhance understanding and predictions of monsoons in a changing climate. Mrutunjay Mohapatra, the director general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), mentioned advancements in weather forecasting models. He emphasized the need for better observations of oceanic areas to improve predictions for the land. Krishnan warned that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent. He explained that low-pressure areas forming in the Bay of Bengal are intensifying and causing heavy rain across the country, leading to flooding, especially in urban areas. He said forecasting these events remains challenging, as current methods can only predict them a few days in advance. To assess the impact of heat in urban areas, IITM has launched a program focused on studying urban meteorology, starting with Delhi. The study will involve monitoring factors such as greenhouse gases, humidity, and aerosols to gather comprehensive data.