The next generation in weather forecasting arrives in Queensland
02/10/2013
A major upgrade to the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast and warning services for Queensland will see many locations receive a 7-day forecast for the first time from today.
Bureau of Meteorology Queensland Regional Director Rob Webb said the launch of the Next Generation Forecast and Warning System (NexGenFWS) would allow a leap forward in services, with 67 locations in Queensland to receive a level of service previously only available in highly populated parts of the southeast.
“More comprehensive weather information will now be available for a far greater number of locations throughout the state – providing real benefits for Queensland communities, particularly in regional and remote locations,” Mr Webb said.
“The new system will also provide more detailed forecast information on temperature, rainfall and winds, giving the community more localised weather information.
“The Bureau has customised and significantly developed NexGenFWS, originally from the US, for Australian operational and state and territory service requirements. The final stage has been building in the capacity to handle the complexities of forecasting tropical weather, including tropical cyclones.
“This new system will provide Queenslanders with more comprehensive weather information to allow them to better plan and prepare as we head into the wet season,” he said.
The major changes to land and marine forecast services in Queensland include:
• 67 locations will receive 7-day icon and summary forecasts.
• 20 of these 67 locations will receive a more detailed 7-day written forecast in addition to the icon and summary forecast.
• Enhanced rainfall probability and rainfall range information for Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
• An increase in the number of coastal waters zones from 11 to 14, including a Torres Strait forecast for the first time. The increased number of zones will allow for more detailed forecasts
Next Generation Forecast and Warning System has already been successfully rolled out in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The Northern Territory roll-out next year will complete the national project, delivered over five years.
