In a first for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced a localised weather forecasting system, similar to those for the Amarnath and Char Dham yatras. IMD officials announced on Thursday that its regional centre has installed three rain gauges at Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilakkal to issue three-day weather forecasts. These forecasts will soon be upgraded to real-time weather bulletins, known as "nowcasts," said IMD regional director Neetha K Gopal. Recognising the challenges posed by rising temperatures and high humidity during dry spells, the IMD also plans to install temperature gauges in the area. The initiative follows a request from the Pathanamthitta district administration, which sought real-time weather updates for Sabarimala due to the region's susceptibility to extreme rainfall. Recent landslides in Wayanad have further emphasised the need for caution in sensitive areas. Authorities revealed that while the IMD initially consider