A significant extension of town and city forecasts commenced with implementation of forecasts out to seven days for all capital cities except Darwin. In New South Wales, four-day forecasts for the larger regional centres and next-day forecasts for nine new locations were introduced (Figure 7). The extension of forecast periods marks the initial phase of major improvements to the Bureau's forecasting capabilities over the next few years, the dividend of significant research and investment in forecasting infrastructure and systems. While forecast accuracy decreases with time, these represent the best forecasts available given the state of the science and the tools available. For some centres, the accuracy of the day-seven forecast is now approaching that of the day-three and four forecasts of 12 years ago. Provision of seven-day forecasts to the public and major user groups enables individuals and industry to make more informed decisions about their weekly activities.

Figure 7. Four-day forecasts are now provided for the larger regional centres in New South Wales, with each weather district having at least one designated regional centre receiving 4-day forecasts. In addition, nine new locations receive next-day forecasts.