Global meteorologists meet to save radio frequency bands for observations

As the WMO stepped up coordinated efforts to ensure the protection of radio frequency bands -- vital for weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings -- India has emphasised on the need for frequent upper-air instruments intercomparisons. An Indian delegation is attending the third session of the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) Commission for Observation, Infrastructure and Information systems (INFCOM), held in Geneva from April 15 to 19. "The Indian delegation emphasised the need for frequent upper-air instruments intercomparison and offered a proposal of holding the next intercomparison in India. INFCOM President and WMO Secretariat appreciated the proposal," said a post on X by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday. Upper-air instruments include radiosonde that go up to 22-35 kilometres in the air to measure temperatures, air pressure, humidity and wind; and pilot balloons that go up to 5-6 kilometres for wind speed and direction. Both operate and a