Upgraded Canberra weather radar data goes live today
12/06/2013
Following a recent upgrade of the Canberra weather radar, improved real-time imagery showing wind speed, direction and accumulated rainfall will be made available to the public today.
Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Deputy Regional Director, Mr Stephen Lellyett, said the Canberra upgrade represented a significant improvement in service for the Canberra region.
“From today the frequency of radar images displayed on the Bureau’s website will increase from once every 10 minutes to once every six minutes,” Mr Lellyett said.
“Featuring Doppler wind information for the first time, the upgraded service will enhance the Bureau’s ability to monitor storm severity and fine-tune warnings during severe weather events.
“Radar data complements forecasts and warnings provided to emergency services to assist in the tactical deployment of resources.
“Accumulated rainfall can now be displayed in timeframes ranging from one to 24 hours, improving the available information for flood forecasters and water resource managers.
“A range of industries rely on the information provided by radars in the planning of weather sensitive activities; such as agricultural producers in crop spraying or construction workers in planning painting or concreting,” he said.
The upgrade to the Canberra radar is part of a larger program known as the Strategic Radar Enhancement Project (SREP).
Funded through the 2009-2010 Federal Budget the project represents a $48 million investment by the Australian Government over seven years to strengthen the radar network with the installation of four new radars and upgrades to existing radars, including the Canberra radar.
The science component of this project uses high-quality Doppler radar data from a network which includes Sydney, Wollongong – now complemented by upgraded radars in Newcastle and Canberra – to study severe weather up close and then use this research to improve the modelling used in the Bureau’s forecasting and warning services.
To view the current radar data go to Canberra weather radar.
