 Radar sites of the BoM network, and indicative radar coverage in 2025. Inner radius (100 km) indicates generally reliable coverage. Outer radius (200 km) indicates general limit of potentially useful coverage. Beyond 200km, coverage is generally unreliable due to earth curvature but may occasionally be useful in larger weather systems such as tropical cyclones. Note: Does not show coverage degradation from obstructions. | |
| Country of origin | Australia |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Various |
| No. built | 69 |
| Type | non Doppler, Doppler and dual polarisation |
| Frequency | C and S bands |
The majority of Australia's weather radars are operated by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), an executive agency of the Australian Government. The radar network is continually being upgraded with new technology such as doppler and dual polarisation to provide better now-casting. Doppler weather radars are able to detect the movement of precipitation, making it very useful in detecting damaging winds associated with precipitation, [1] and determining if a thunderstorm has a rotating updraft, a key indicator of the presence of the most dangerous type of thunderstorm, a supercell. [2] [3] [4]
Contents
- The dual polarisation transition
- Future radar network upgrades
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- Research Radars
- References
- See also
- Related articles
- External links
The new dual polarisation radars give forecasters the ability to:
- detect debris in the atmosphere, leading to more accurate tornado warnings; [5]
- distinguish between different precipitation types, leading to better estimations of hail size and severity; [5]
- better identify areas of heavy rainfall, leading to more accurate flood warnings; [6] and
- discern between precipitation and non-meteorological echoes such as chaff, birds, and insects. [5]
