5G-Enabled Automatic Weather Stations for Renewable Energy Forecasting

Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) are a critical element of contemporary meteorological infrastructure, supplying continuous and location-specific atmospheric data required for weather forecasting, disaster risk mitigation, agricultural planning, renewable energy (RE) integration, and resilient infrastructure development. Conventional AWS communication systems, predominantly based on GSM/GPRS, satellite, or narrowband radio links, are increasingly inadequate due to constraints related to latency, scalability, availability, and real-time data processing. The advent of Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication technology introduces a new paradigm for AWS networking by offering ultra-low latency, high reliability, massive device connectivity, and advanced security mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive and original examination of 5G-enabled AWS systems, including architectural considerations, operational use cases, and relevance to Indian meteorological and power sector requirements. The discussion highlights how 5G can significantly enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and reliability of weather data dissemination while supporting national objectives related to climate resilience and renewable energy forecasting.