Météo-France has begun construction of a new 50m tower for its weather radar in Sembadel, Haute-Loire, with the intention of improving the accuracy of meteorological observations.
The radar, installed in 1996, is part of Météo-France’s network of 39 radars and can detect precipitation up to 180km away. It plays a role in monitoring severe weather events, including intense rainfall episodes typical of the Cévennes region. However, the radar’s location near forested areas has led to reduced performance in recent years due to the growth of tall trees. To address this, France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition has funded the construction of a higher tower, which will become the tallest weather radar structure in the country.
The new installation will position the radar antenna on a platform 50m above ground, enclosed within a new radome measuring 7m in diameter. The top of the structure will reach an altitude of 1,173m above sea level. The tower will also include two technical levels for electronic equipment, with additional energy and telecommunications systems located at ground level.
Construction is now underway, with foundation work completed in the first half of April 2026. The project is being delivered by a group of local companies. Completion is scheduled for the end of September 2026, after which the existing radar will be transferred to the new tower and returned to operational service by the end of the year. Decommissioning of the current tower will begin in December 2026.
Météo-France said the project incorporates environmental considerations, including a structural design intended to optimize material use and a reduced-carbon concrete that cuts CO2 emissions by 58% compared to conventional alternatives. The construction footprint has also been minimized by concentrating facilities within a smaller area.
As part of the project, the concrete from the existing tower will be repurposed for other uses. In addition, a partnership agreement signed in October 2025 between the state, Météo-France, forestry organizations and local municipalities will ensure long-term forest management compatible with radar operations.
The new tower forms part of Météo-France’s broader effort to enhance its observation network, which includes ground stations, radars, satellites, buoys and other monitoring systems.
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