Enhancements to Weather Services in Regional NSW

Prior to 16 May 2006

We provided four-day regional forecasts for 14 weather districts and specific next-day forecasts for 35 regional locations. The 11 larger regional centres also received more detailed two-day forecasts. These were Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Wollongong, Dubbo, Tamworth, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, Orange and Goulburn. Not all weather districts had a designated regional centre.

Following the changes on 16 May 2006

• Four-day forecasts are now provided for the larger regional centres.
• Nine new locations receive next-day forecasts. These are Forster, Singleton, Merimbula, Lithgow, Springwood, Young, Ivanhoe, Glen Innes and Narrabri.
• Each weather district has at least one designated regional centre receiving 4-day forecasts. The five new regional centres are Griffith, Cobar, Katoomba, Batemans Bay and Port Macquarie.
• The forecasts are issued twice per day at 5:15am and 4:00pm with the forecast issue times in line with the peak usage periods. Updates will be issued as required.
• A separate Provincial Cities Forecast contains the four-day forecasts for the larger centres.
• The State Forecast is now combined with the Notes on the Weather to provide an overview of the current weather pattern and future developments as well as a forecast for the next four days.

The selection of the new locations was based on population and geography to achieve a more equitable spread across the state. It is not possible for every location in NSW to receive a forecast but, in making the latest changes, the Bureau is taking large steps towards enhancing the medium-term weather services available to the people of NSW. The installation of new forecast systems in the next two to three years will again allow the Bureau to make further enhancements to services.

The map below shows where the changes have occurred.