India Meteorological Department (IMD) has started Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasting for 47 cities of India, including Nagpur, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune cities of Maharashtra. Keeping the deteriorating air quality in mind, the Weather Department started this WRF-Chem model-based AQI forecasting, which will provide air quality prediction for three days in advance. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) provides only the AQI observation, whereas IMD will give forecasting with health advisory. The AQI forecasting by IMD is already functional in all 47 cities and available on IMD website. “We have started WRF-Chem and SILAM Model-based AQI forecasting of 47 cities. IMD is planning to expand the forecasting in more metro cities in coming days,” Pravin Kumar, Scientist C, Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Nagpur told ‘The Hitavada’. The WRF-Chem model is a powerful, widely-used tool for AQI forecasting, as it online, couples weather (WRF) and atmospheric chemistry, capturing real-time interactions for pollutants like PM2.5, Ozone, and NOx. WRF-Chem often shows better accuracy for local or regional AQI compared to global models, especially for peak pollution events. Similarly, the IMD System for Integrated modeling of Atmospheric composition (SILAM Model) is an advanced air quality forecasting system used by the Weather Department to provide detailed, high-resolution predictions of air pollutants across India. “We have started using these models for air quality forecasting with the help of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. The models help us to analyse the meteorological data and to forecast air quality,” said Pravin Kumar. As per the senior meteorologist, “Nagpur city so far witnessed moderate air quality with some days of poor AQI during this winter season. The Weather Department will also provide air quality data during Diwali as well.” As per today’s prediction, Nagpur city will witness moderate AQI till January 24, which may cause breathing discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases.