In the 2009-10 Federal Budget the Bureau received $48M over seven years for the installation of four new radars, the installation of a verification network for each new radar, and to improve the underlying science for extreme weather forecasting.
Each radar will be furnished with:
- Doppler capability
- Rainfall and severe weather verification and,
- Ingestion of radar data into the Bureau's numerical weather prediction models.
These new installations will significantly improve the existing weather radar coverage by closing significant gaps in the exiting network and help to deliver enhanced warnings and forecasts for Australia.
The key SREP objectives are:
- Deliver four new operational radars into the national network over a five year period with supporting surface wind and rainfall verification networks for each new radar.
- Provide improved rainfall estimation for heavy rainfall events which will inform planning, preparedness and minimisation of impact from flash flooding events.
- Improve short term forecasts for disaster mitigation through assimilation of radar data in numerical weather prediction models.
- Incorporate key stakeholder requirements into the project planning. The outcome of which is to provide service improvements to those who rely on our data.
SREP science
The Bureau currently uses radar data almost exclusively for Nowcasting - predicting what will happen during the short-term (next several hours over scales of a few kilometres). Nowcasting systems use high resolution radar data to provide a detailed forecast for the next hour or two. These techniques are crucial as Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) which is used for predictions beyond the nowcasts, can be of somewhat limited value in the first 6 hours of the forecast period.
Through the Science component of SREP, the Bureau will undertake research into how to use radar observations in NWP models so as to increase their accuracy and utility in forecasting extreme weather, even on the shorter timescales. It will also coordinate the application of the improved science into Bureau Weather Services for the benefit of the Australian community.
Ultimately SREP will provide improved rainfall estimation and short term forecasts for heavy rainfall events which will inform planning, preparedness and minimisation of impact from flash flooding events.
SREP radar sites
The four sites which will be addressed through the SREP project are highlighted in the image below
The Wollongong radar will extend the Doppler radar coverage across the Southern Sydney basin area ensuring the ongoing coverage of the densely populated Wollongong area. Used in conjunction with the Sydney based radars, the Wollongong radar will significantly contribute to the early identification and tracking of storms and floods.
The new radar for Wollongong was delivered at Appin to provide an immediate response to the requirement for a radar in the region. Enhancements to the Wollongong (Appin) weather radar are now complete, delivering real-time, detailed weather information to the Illawarra region. Located on the Woronora plateau 18 kilometres north-west of Wollongong, at an elevation of 449 metres above sea level, the site provides unobstructed views for the radar in all directions.
Further information about the Wollongong radar:
Planning is currently taking place to improve the service provided to the community by relocating the radar to a more advantageous position offering increased coverage south (100km to Bega) and better coverage of low level weather such as drizzle.
Hobart Radar Tasmania
The Hobart radar will offer continuous weather watch and enhanced coverage to this high population centre and its surrounding environment.
The Hobart radar will be located on Mt Koonya and is anticipated to be in service by 1st quarter 2012 (calendar year).
Mount Isa Radar Queensland
The Mount Isa radar will provide coverage to a heavily populated and economically important mining community. This radar will contribute to the monitoring of rainfall from tropical storms, including cyclones tracking from the Gulf of Carpentaria, as well as flood warnings and other weather systems in North/West Queensland.
The Mount Isa radar will be located on Telstra Hill, 8km east of Mount Isa and is anticipated to be in service by 2nd quarter 2012 (calendar year).
North Central Coast, Northern Territory
The radar located near Warruwi (South Goulburn Island) will provide critical information to the cyclone prone North Coast of the Northern Territory. The enhanced weather and warning information will service the Northern Territory communities and the substantial tourist industry.
Research is currently being undertaken to identify the optimal location for the NT radar. In-service delivery is planned for 4th quarter 2013 (calendar year).
Verification networks
Each of the radars is supported by a network of up to 20 rain gauges and 5 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) which provide verification of the radar data, as well as collecting valuable data for natural resource and catchment planning. These networks also provide information regarding heavy rainfall events enabling more informed planning, preparedness and minimisation the severe impacts from flash flooding events.
