Major upgrade for NSW & ACT weather forecasts

On 1 September 2010, the Bureau of Meteorology will be introducing improved forecast services for NSW and the ACT due to a major upgrade to the forecast and warning system.

"One of the most significant changes is that rural and regional centres will have access to the same level of service that has previously only been available in major cities" said Bureau of Meteorology NSW Regional Director, Barry Hanstrum.

NSW communities can expect to see an increased number of forecasts, and existing forecasts will extend out for 7 days. For many locations, this means an upgrade from a 1 day forecast to a 7 day forecast.

The amount of weather information will increase, with the addition of UV alerts, fire danger ratings, chance of rainfall and predicted rainfall totals to some forecasts.

The Bureau of Meteorology is also changing some forecast areas and marine forecast zones to ensure that people are receiving the most relevant and precise information for their location.

Mr Hanstrum said "This upgrade will give people in NSW access to more weather information than ever before".

Some of the improved services available from 1 September 2010 include:

7 day forecasts provided for nearly 70 locations across NSW and the ACT. Previously, only 2 locations - Sydney and Canberra - received 7 day forecasts
- 26 of these locations will receive fully worded, 7 day forecasts that include weather descriptions, wind speed and directions, temperatures, fire danger and UV.
- 68 locations will receive a 7 day, summary forecast, with the weather description and the minimum/maximum temperatures.
Some district forecast boundaries will be changed, particularly those in southern NSW, to better match the Local Government boundaries.
Two coastal waters zones will be split into smaller areas to make the marine forecasts more precise for those zones.

For more detail about the changes, please check the Bureau's website www.bom.gov.au/NexGenFWS

For media inquiries

Karen Bennett : 0432 746 432