Accurate prediction of the monsoon is important for all sections of the society. A study from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology shows how we can now predict the accurate arrival of monsoon rains almost three months in advance.

Dev Raj Sikka was born on 1st March 1932, in Jhang Maghiana in the undivided Punjab. After completing his M.Sc in physical chemistry from Agra University with a first rank, Sikka began his career in the Indian Meteorological Department in 1954. He later joined the Institute of Tropical Meteorology (known today as Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), becoming its Director in 1986.