Perth (Serpentine) radar upgrade first phase complete

01/11/2021

The Serpentine radar in Perth is back online after a short, planned outage as part of replacement works by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The works, when complete, will provide Western Australians with access to more reliable and up-to-date weather information.

Todd Smith, Manager - Hazard and Preparedness Response, said the existing radar was back online in time for the start of Perth’s thunderstorm season.

“We are undertaking the replacement works in two phases to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the community,” Mr Smith said.

“The first phase is now complete, with the installation of new mains electrical wiring and fibre-optic communications at the site south-east of Perth.

“Phase two will start in early 2022, allowing for the severe weather season. Thunderstorms occur on average around twice a month in Perth between November to January.

“The radar will need to be turned off again during that phase, which will include the installation of a new tower and radome. We will of course inform the community ahead of that outage.”

Once complete, the community, emergency services and local industry will benefit from dual-polarised Doppler radar technology, one of the best tools for observing real-time rainfall and wind conditions across large areas.

The Perth radar is one part of a comprehensive weather observation network of over 11,000 assets including satellites, upper atmosphere monitoring, automatic weather stations, ocean buoys and flood warning networks.

This is part of the most significant program of upgrades to Australia's radar and observation network in a generation.

By June 2024, the Bureau will deliver 8 new radars, plus upgrades to 46 radars, almost 700 automatic weather stations and 200 flood warning network sites across the country, providing Australia with a more secure, reliable and resilient weather service.

Images from the Perth (Serpentine) radar are available here: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR703.loop.shtml