Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology unveils weather radar location in Victoria

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has identified a site in Wimmera, Victoria, as the location for its new state-of-the-art weather radar, providing local residents and businesses with real-time weather information. The site for the new installation, near the town of Rainbow, 105km (miles) north of Horsham, was chosen after an extensive and detailed process to identify a location that would best serve both the Wimmera region and the wider Australian weather radar network. Dr Andrew Tupper, Victorian state manager, BOM, said, “The Australian government, through BOM and the Victorian government, have been working closely with the Wimmera Development Association on this important infrastructure project for the region. “As the radar is such a significant project, it has been vital for all parties to get the details right to ensure that it provides the maximum benefit, particularly for the region’s primary producers who depend so much on accurate rainfall forecasts. “The data available through the radar will help growers to make informed choices about harvesting, tillage and the use of chemicals and fertilizers.” Other benefits of the radar include enhanced short-term rainfall forecasts and the provision of additional information to BOM experts during severe weather events. Dual polarized doppler radars provide one of the best tools for observing real-time rainfall, storms and even debris in the atmosphere, across large areas. Radars use electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones to detect rain drops, hail or snow. Doppler radars can also measure wind by detecting the speed of movement of the water that they encounter. The dual-polarized doppler radar is currently under construction in Germany and is due to begin operating in mid-2020.