Research scientist Vineet Kumar, who works at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, has been providing timely and valuable weather updates through his X (formerly Twitter) handle. His forecasts, especially during periods of rain, have proven immensely helpful to citizens. Notably, he responds to individual queries from residents about specific localities, earning widespread appreciation and gratitude from Punekars.
“I must compliment @vineet_mausam for his weather predictions and patient replies to all queries on rain in #Pune,” author Uday Kulkarni wrote on X.
I must compliment @vineet_mausam for his weather predictions and patient replies to all queries on rain in #Pune
— Dr Uday S Kulkarni (@MulaMutha) May 24, 2025
Another user stated, “Thank you Vineet ji, for everything that you do. We, Punekars, will always be indebted to you. I wish all of us would work like you. You are an inspiration to all of us. You are a Karma-yogi!!!”
“I am always amazed at his accuracy on a micro level. No doubt he is an asset for Punekars,” a third user commented.
Who is Vineet Kumar?
Before joining as a research scientist at IITM in Pune, Kumar worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Typhoon Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea.
In his PhD research, Kumar explored various ocean-cyclone-atmosphere interactions and the large-scale factors governing the track of cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.
In 2019, he was awarded the Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR) award by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Briefly, in 2024, Kumar stopped posting weather updates on X due to “unavoidable circumstances and restrictions.” He wrote, “This is to inform that due to unavoidable circumstances and restrictions, I will not be posting any weather updates from today onwards. Thank you all.”
This is to inform that due to unavoidable circumstances and restrictions, I will not be posting anything about weather from today onwards.
Thank you all.— Dr. Vineet Kumar (@vineet_mausam) August 2, 2024
The post led to massive outrage on social media. However, within a few days, Kumar said he would soon resume posting. “Dear all, thank you all for showering immense love. I am so touched by all your messages. I will soon be back with the latest updates/info on weather and atmospheric research in the interest of society. Till then, enjoy the lovely weather around you. Jai Hind,” he wrote.
Also note that, forecasts is not a single person thing, there are lots of unforseen scientists of imd, researchers of iitm who developed models, generated new ideas, endless obserational groups from various other institutions.
All are working together for the benefit of society.— Dr. Vineet Kumar (@vineet_mausam) August 5, 2024
