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The importance and reliability of DWR based information for nowcast of thunderstorms and associated weathers, like squall, hailstorm etc. is well known. Nowcasting of thunderstorms/squalls and hailstorms in stations covered by Doppler Weather Radars was implemented in December 2012 for 125 cities, which have now increased to 156 cities with the expansion of Doppler Weather Radar networks and in future this number is expected to increase further. It has also benefited from major developments in observational meteorology and computer-based interactive data processing and display systems in IMD. In present day scenario, with inclusion of SMS Alert services to farmers and various disaster managers by IMD for severe weather events like thunderstorms squalls and hailstorm, the accurate nowcasting of these weather events is very crucial and can prevent a lot of damage to life and property. Therefore, it is very important for a nowcaster to understand nowcasting and have a basic knowledge of Doppler Weather Radar products and how to use them for nowcasting purpose. So, there was a need to have an operational manual on Nowcast for capacity building & to have uniformity and better co-ordination between various IMD nowcasting offices across the country. The present document is an outcome of dedicated efforts of the nowcast team of IMD. I congratulate them for coming out with this useful and handy document. The spirit of coordination and support extended by authors who provided valuable inputs for the successful completion of Nowcast Operational Manual is greatly appreciated and duly acknowledged. I hope that the …