Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director-General of the UAE National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), inaugurated the 11th WMO Scientific Conference on Weather Modification in Pune on Monday. The five-day global event, hosted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), will run until November 7, 2025.
The conference, one of the most prestigious gatherings in the field, brings together scientists, policymakers, and experts from around the world to advance research, share knowledge, and explore innovations in rainfall enhancement, climate intervention, and atmospheric science.
The opening ceremony, held at IITM’s Meghdoot Auditorium, was attended by top officials including Dr. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. M. Mohapatra, Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD); and WMO expert co-chairs Dr. Sarah Tessendorf and Dr. Steven Siems.
In his keynote address, Dr. Al Mandous highlighted that scientific innovation in weather modification plays a vital role in ensuring global water and food security. He emphasised that ongoing research and international collaboration are key to tackling the escalating challenges of climate change and drought.
He reaffirmed WMO’s commitment to promoting capacity-building and data-sharing among member nations, enabling scientific advances to be translated into practical solutions that mitigate water scarcity and enhance climate resilience.
“This conference comes at a critical time when extreme weather events are rising and the demand for sustainable rainfall enhancement technologies is greater than ever,” Dr. Al Mandous said.
The UAE’s pioneering role in rain enhancement science through the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) was also spotlighted as a model for international collaboration in atmospheric innovation.
During his visit, Dr. Al Mandous toured IITM’s Cloud Physics Wind Tunnel Laboratory and Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, where he observed advanced experiments on cloud formation, turbulence, and aerosol–precipitation interactions. He was briefed on India’s latest use of laser-based instruments, UAVs, and high-resolution models to enhance the efficiency of cloud seeding and mitigate severe weather.
Dr. Al Mandous praised India’s scientific progress, commending the Ministry of Earth Sciences for its dedication to applied meteorological research. He noted that UAE–India cooperation serves as a model of scientific partnership that strengthens both nations’ preparedness for climate-related challenges.
The five-day event features over 16 sessions and workshops focusing on precipitation enhancement, fog and hail suppression, marine cloud brightening, AI-driven forecasting, and the ethical and social aspects of weather modification technologies.
The conference also explores how satellite data and intelligent systems are reshaping real-time decision-making in meteorology and advancing global standards for responsible weather modification practices.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional lamp lighting, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter of international cooperation between WMO, India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, and IITM, united in their mission to promote sustainability, innovation, and global resilience through scientific research.
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