Canberra weather radar upgrade underway

13/05/2013

The Bureau of Meteorology will begin work on an upgrade of the Canberra weather radar today (13/05/2013).

While the upgrade takes place the Canberra radar will be unavailable for approximately one week, with the service expected to return by 24 May. During this time areas within range can use the Bureau’s Wollongong or Wagga Wagga radars.

Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Deputy Regional Director, Mr Stephen Lellyett, said the upgrade would significantly improve weather radar services for the Canberra region.

“Over the weeks following the upgrade, new displays showing wind speed and direction and accumulated rainfall will become available to the community through the Bureau’s website,” Mr Lellyett said.

“The frequency of radar imagery will also be increased from once every 10 minutes to once every 6 minutes.

“The upgrade will enhance the Bureau’s ability to monitor storm severity and fine-tune warnings during severe weather events.

“Many members of the community have come to rely on continuous radar coverage, and the Bureau has sought to minimise disruptions by planning the upgrade when weather is less likely to have an impact,” he said.

The upgrade to the Canberra radar is part of a larger program known as the Strategic Radar Enhancement Project. The 2009-2010 Federal Budget allocated the Bureau of Meteorology
$48 million dollars over seven years to strengthen Australia’s radar network.

The project includes the installation of four new radars and upgrades to existing radars, including the Newcastle and Canberra radars.

Through the science component of the project, radar data will be fed directly into models as a trial to improve short term forecasting of severe weather events.

For further information go to Weather radars.