In the wake of Kerala becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, specifically the rise in Extreme Rainfall Events (EREs), the Kerala government has decided to launch an innovative weather app for providing real-time updates and alerts to the public.
As per official details, the Department of Science and Technology has tasked the Institute for Climate Change Studies (ICCS) with developing a Digital Weather Data Dissemination Platform to deliver real-time weather and climate information to users across Kerala via a mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms. By leveraging APIs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and integrating data from additional government and private sources, the platform aims to ensure accurate and localised weather advisories for enhanced monitoring and decision-making.
“The department has initiated the process to select a startup for developing the app, which will leverage advanced weather forecasting models and data analytics. It offers a range of features, including hyperlocal weather updates, severe weather alerts, rainfall predictions, and long-term climate forecasts,” said an official of the department.
The app will be a game-changer for Kerala, a state that has frequently experienced extreme weather events such as floods and landslides following the rise in Extreme Rainfall Events (EREs). With accurate and timely information, the government will be able to significantly improve preparedness and mitigate the impact of such events.
Officials said the ICCS will coordinate with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) for selecting the startup to develop the app.
The app’s user-friendly interface will ensure accessibility for people of all ages. Users can view hourly and daily weather forecasts, monitor air quality indices, and receive personalised alerts based on their location. The app also integrates real-time data from automated weather stations, ensuring high accuracy. People in the hilly districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Palakkad are expected to benefit greatly from the app’s localised advisories.
