History of Alice Springs Meteorological Office

In March 1942 during World War 2, the staff were augmented by the arrival of USAAF (USA Air Force) Observers and subsequently went on to become a USAAF forecasting Office. This office serviced communities in Tennant Creek and Oodndatta. The USAAF staffing was short lived, in late January 1943 they withdrew their services and the office reverted back to observer status. However not long after this a portable anemometer was installed (May 1943) and then in October the station became a forecasting office once again. Radiosonde equipment was installed in 1944.

On the 10th of December 1946 the anemometer was reported to have been unserviceable which prompted moves to install a Dines Anemometer. After much deliberation the Dines came into service in May 1953. Later that year evaporation and sunshine recording equipment was relocated from the Post Office to the aerodrome. 

On the 29th of January 1959 a fire in the meteorological store destroyed all Alice Springs records except for the valuable F163 (Upper Air Observations) and the A9 (Surface Observations).

Up until 1972 there were two separate offices, a Forecasting Office and an Observing Office, located in the vicinity of what is now known as the "old airport" (to the South West of the current runway). In 1972 the forecasting office was relocated to the new airport terminal area. In 1974 The Observing Office was relocated to a site 1.5km to the west of the terminal at the end of the new long runway.

In 1972 a fire damaged the old Balloon tracking Radar (RAWIN 277f) that had been in place since 1953. Subsequently a modern WF44 radar that also had weather watch capabilities was installed in June 1974. In May 2001 the Forecasting office and the Observations Office were amalgamated at the Observing Office site during a major refurbishment. The WF44 radar was replaced with a WF100 radar and a  tall tower was installed. The Bureau office is now a major landmark along the airport road.

Today the Meteorological office at Alice Springs provides forecasts for Central Australia and weather information to the local community. The office is staffed by Technical Officers (Observers) who provide coverage of weather phenomena 7 days per week. While the station is un-staffed, data is automatically transmitted minus the visual elements of the observation i.e. visibility/cloud/weather conditions. The office has a liaison role with the general public. Visits by the public, schools or other interested groups are encouraged. Staff will be pleased to show the office/equipment and explain our role/routine. Some consideration may need to be given to the timing of large groups.