There’s an upgrade on the charts for an integral piece of Canberra’s weather forecasting system, but it means the capital will be without its radar for more than a week.
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A significant upgrade of the Canberra weather radar begins on Monday, and will bring a number of improvements for forecasters in the territory.
Forecasters and armchair weather experts alike will have access to more information more frequently once the radar upgrade is complete, including improved storm-tracking capability, according to NSW deputy regional director Stephen Lellyett.
“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,” he 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.”
Acknowledging Canberrans’ fascination with everything weather, the upgrade has been planned for one of the drier months of the year, as the radar will be taken out of action until about May 24.
“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,” Mr Lellyett said.
While the upgrade is taking place, the bureau is directing people to use the Wollongong and Wagga Wagga radar services, which also provide coverage of the Canberra region.
The work is part of a $48 million federal plan to strengthen Australia's radar network, which includes a trial to improve short term forecasting of severe weather events.
