DAW 15th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026
Question
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (150 Words, 10 Marks).
Model Answer
Approach: Introduction:
IMD’s colour-coded warnings provide quick, clear alerts for early action and disaster preparedness in cyclone-prone areas.
Body:
Color-coded warnings issued by the IMD for cyclones
In Cyclone prone areas, the IMD issues cyclone warnings to state government officials in four stages
Conclusion:
IMD’s colour-coded, impact-based warnings enable timely evacuation and resource deployment, as shown in Cyclone Biparjoy (2023), greatly improving cyclone preparedness and community resilience.
Introduction:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a colour-coded weather warning system as a vital tool for early warning, risk communication, and disaster preparedness in cyclone-prone regions, enabling authorities and communities to take timely and appropriate action.
Body: Color-coded warnings issued by the IMD for cyclones:
It is based on the probability of occurrence of the event as well as its impact assessment. The decision of the colour also depends on the meteorological factors, hydrological factors, geophysical factors that indicate the risk.
Colour code
Meaning
Green
All is well.
No adverse weather conditions and no advisory issued.
Suggests maintaining normal day-to-day activities.
Regular monitoring of weather updates is advised.
Yellow
Be aware.
Severely bad weather may span across several days
Indicates potential disruption of day-to-day activities.
Requires continuous monitoring of weather conditions.
Orange
Be prepared.
Warning of extreme damage to communication disruptions.
E.g: Potential of disruption in commute with road and rail closures, and interruption of power supply.
Triggers preparation for disaster management authorities.
Sign for evacuation and keeping the basic necessities ready for families.
Red
Take action.
Threat to life with the worst weather conditions.
Measures are taken to handle the situation along with the help of disaster management response teams.
Calls for immediate evacuation from vulnerable areas.
In Cyclone prone areas, the IMD issues cyclone warnings to state government officials in four stages:
Stage of Warning
Colour Code
Cyclone Alert
Yellow
Cyclone Warning
Orange
Post landfall out look
Red
Pre-Cyclone Watch: It is issued 72 hours prior and contains early warning about the development of a cyclonic disturbance in the north Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Alert: It is issued at least 48 hours prior to the expected commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas.
Cyclone Warning: It is issued at least 24 hours in advance. Landfall point is forecast at this stage.
Post Landfall Outlook: It is issued at least 12 hours in advance of the expected time of landfall. It gives the likely direction of movement of the cyclone after its landfall.
Conclusion:
The IMD’s colour-coded warning system, supported by advanced forecasting and robust communication networks, has strengthened India’s cyclone preparedness. Its impact-based warnings help authorities pre-position resources and carry out timely evacuations, as seen during Cyclone Biparjoy (2023), thereby boosting disaster risk reduction and overall community resilience.