History of Gove Meteorological Office

Observations began at Gove by the RAAF in March 1943 to assist with aircraft movements after the construction of a 5,000 ft sealed runway by 8ACS to counter the threat of an invasion through the western approach to the Torres Strait. With the conclusion of WW2 in 1945, aircraft movements steadily declined and with the de commissioning of 2OBU, the recording of weather details ceased in March 1946. It was 20 years before rainfall was once again recorded at the airfield.

In 1965 Swiss Alumina and a group of Australian Companies formed Nabalco Pty Ltd and began a feasibility study for the mining and processing of bauxite which had been discovered in the area in 1952. With the establishment of a Nabalco construction camp at the airport in May 1966, rainfall measurements recommenced in September of that year and continued until they became erratic in 1974. With the focus of activity now in the township of Nhulunbuy, 10 km to the north, the Post Office began taking readings from it's site in November 1974, Rainfall data was relayed to Darwin from Wallaby Beach in January 1979 until September 1986. Due to the increase in vegetation around the Post Office, the site became unsuitable for a rainfall recording station and was closed in October 1985. A more suitable site was located at the Transport and Works Department and readings again recommenced in March 1987 and continue at that site today.

In 1981 the decision was made to locate an official meteorological station on the North East Cape at Gove. Data gathered from this site enables the Darwin Regional Forecasting Centre to provide upgraded meteorological services for aviation in Northeast Arnhemland and an improved forecasting/warning service to coastal communities in the Gulf. The siting of a radar in this area also fills the weather/cyclone watch gap that had previously existed between the Gulf of Carpentaria and the extreme range of the Darwin Radar. The site for the station was selected in 1981. Construction began in April 1983 and on November the 11th 1985 the Radar began operation.