Tue Oct 14 06:20:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

M. Ravichandran, secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, announced the addition of more weather radars in Tamil Nadu, including three for Chennai, at the inauguration of the Urban Test Bed facility at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. This facility, developed with support from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is equipped with instruments for real-time weather parameter monitoring. The expansion aims to improve forecasting accuracy amidst the impacts of climate change and urbanization. The initiative is part of a national plan to install 100-120 weather radars across India and emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions.

**News Article:**

**Chennai to Get Boost in Weather Forecasting with New Radar System**

**CHENNAI, October 14, 2025** – Chennai and the surrounding areas are poised to receive a significant upgrade in weather forecasting capabilities with the planned installation of three new X-band weather radars. The announcement was made yesterday by M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, during the inauguration of the Urban Test Bed facility at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology.

The Urban Test Bed, developed with the support of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is equipped with advanced atmospheric instruments for real-time monitoring of various weather parameters. These instruments, including micro rain radar, will provide continuous data on wind circulation, cloud formation, and rainfall characteristics over the Chennai area.

“Tamil Nadu will get more weather radars to enhance forecasting accuracy in the next few years,” said Mr. Ravichandran, emphasizing the increasing need for accurate predictions in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.

The new radars are part of a larger national plan to deploy 100-120 weather radars across India. Chennai currently has one S-band doppler weather radar and an X-band radar. The addition of three more X-band radars will enhance the precision of forecasts not only for Chennai but also for neighboring districts.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, highlighted the facility’s role in integrating scientific research with urban climate adaptation strategies and providing opportunities for student training and interdisciplinary research.

A paleoclimatology laboratory and information galleries were also inaugurated, which would serve as knowledge and outreach hubs. Experts like Thara Prabhakaran, Project Director of Mission Mausam, stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening urban meteorology. A. Suryachandra Rao, Director of IITM, Pune, addressed the economic losses caused by natural disasters, highlighting the value of technologies that improve the understanding of urban heat islands and extreme weather events.

The initiative signals a commitment to improving weather resilience and mitigating the impact of natural disasters in the region.

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