Sabarimala: For those Ayyappa devotees looking for a weather check and thus a clear picture of the climate while ascending towards the holy shrine of Sabarimala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to launch a special weather forecasting service, starting this Mandala Pooja season, which is just two weeks away.
Many Ayyappa devotees have welcomed the idea and have said that providing the weather data even on the way to Sabarimala will help them on deciding on the timing to start walking towards the ‘Sannidhanam’ which is a steep path from Pamba, the last point where vehicles can be halted.
“This is a welcome move by the weather department. For people who plan to come from far away places, the decision will help a lot”, said Ranjan Reddy, an Ayyappa devotee from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
The initiative mirrors forecasting practices used at major pilgrimage sites like Char Dham — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
“We will provide a customized forecast for Sabarimala, focusing on key areas such as Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilackal. We will also offer ‘now-cast’ weather updates for three hours, which is ideal for pilgrims,” said IMD director (Kerala) Neetha K Gopal.
The seven-day forecast aims to assist pilgrims in planning their trips, while the nowcast will enhance preparedness. Sabarimala is especially susceptible to the north-east monsoon, which brings rapid cloud formation and intense rainfall, posing risks to thousands of pilgrims making the trek to the hill shrine, warned weather experts.
The home department has requested dedicated weather services for the area this season. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also suggested that the IMD establish three automatic weather stations (AWSs) in Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilackal.
To support the new forecasts, the Meteorological Centre in Kerala plans to utilize existing resources, including the Doppler Weather Radar in Kochi, satellite imagery, and the AWS in Pathanamthitta.
The home department has requested dedicated weather services for the area this season. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also suggested that the IMD establish three automatic weather stations (AWSs) in Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilackal.
To support the new forecasts, the Meteorological Centre in Kerala plans to utilize existing resources, including the Doppler Weather Radar in Kochi, satellite imagery, and the AWS in Pathanamthitta.
