Doppler radar can't predict long-term weather: Official

The much-hyped Doppler radar, which Maharashtra Government decided to install after the July 26, 2005 deluge in the metropolis, is not capable of predicting long-term weather.

"The Chinese-made radar, which came to the city last month, is yet to be installed and is not meant for 'forecast' but for 'now-cast'," an official from the Relief and Rehabilitation department said.

The radar can only predict weather during the next six to seven hours but forecast for the next few days is not feasible with the help of the instrument, he said.

When Mumbai was flooded four years ago, there were reports that lack of modern forecasting technology led to the deluge which could have been prevented had the radar been in place.

However, the official agreed that the radar could have been useful in alerting people during floods.

On the radar's 'Made in China' tag, the official said, "the Chinese design may be affordable but there is always a question about functioning of such products."

Earlier this year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan directed that the radar be installed soon. However, it looks unlikely that it would be operational during this monsoon, the official added.