Western Australia Radar Site Information
Albany
Location: Albany Meteorological Office, adjacent
to Albany Airport
(lat 34.95 deg S, long 117.80 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0001, 0130 - 0700, 0900
- 1300, 1430 - 1900. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes:
The Albany radar is rarely affected by false echoes or anomalous
propagation and there are no permanent echoes. There is a blue gum
plantation to the west of the station that obstructs the radar beam,
causing a significant radar "shadow" to the west and south-west. During
the winter months rain bands may be observed moving in from the
north-west ahead of strong cold fronts. Heavy showers occur with the
passage of these fronts with further lines of showers embedded in the
strong west to southwest winds that follow. Large thunderstorm cells
can also be seen moving along just off the south coast prior to the
arrival of these strong fronts.
"Cut-off" lows, with their own individual circulation, can occasionally
develop off the south coast in the wake of cold fronts. Such
circulations, when established, are generally slow moving and can
produce large areas of rain and drizzle for days. South to southeast
winds accompany such systems.
During the summer months convective thunderstorms occasionally develop
to the northeast of Albany near the Stirling Ranges and move to the
southeast during the evening. Lightning from these storms creates a
great night display but is a very real fire hazard.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Broome
Location: Broome Meteorological Office (lat 17.95
deg S, long 122.23 deg E)
Type: DWSR 2502 C
Availability (Typical): 21:00 - 00:01, 01:30 - 07:00,
09:00 - 13:00, 14:30 - 19:00. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes:
Geographical Situation
Broome Weather Watch Radar is situated so that it overlooks Roebuck Bay
to the south-east and the wider Indian Ocean (north to south-west). The
radar has an 360 degree unrestricted view.
Meteorological Aspects
On the 27th of October the Bureau installed a new C - Band radar at
Broome airport, replacing the existing WF 44 radar. The introduction of
this new more sensitive radar has led to a number of occasions where
"false" or anomalous echoes have been displayed.
This is not caused by a malfunction in the radar, but rather is a result in the increased sensitivity of the radar.
Radar works by sending pulses of electromagnetic energy (in the form of waves), which are then reflected back to the radar by objects in the path of the wave. The radar beam follows a slightly curved path and goes progressively higher the further away from the radar it travels, until it hits an object in its path usually rain droplets.
In the Broome area it is quite common for strong temperature inversions to occur, which means the temperature actually increases with height over a small distance in the atmosphere instead of steadily decreasing with height. There are a number of reasons why inversions can happen, and in the Broome area, one of the most common examples is when hot air from the inland moves out over the cooler ocean. This leads to marked temperature inversions close to the surface, and the effect of this inversion is to "trap" the radar beam in the layer of air between the cool ocean and the hot air a couple of hundred metres above it. Because of the change in the refractive index between hot and cool air, the radar beam is "bent" back towards the waters surface. When the beam strikes the water it reflects its energy back to the radar and it is that image which is displayed on the radar picture.
In certain circumstances the inversion can be strong enough such
that displays similar to the one below occur. 
This phenomenon is the price to be paid for increased sensitivity which means that rainfall and thunderstorms are much better depicted by the radar. With practice it is quite easy to recognise the difference between real and anomalous echoes.
Carnarvon
Location: Carnarvon Airport (lat 24.88 deg S, long
113.67 deg E)
Type: DWSR 2502 C
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0700, 0900 - 1300, 1430
- 1900. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes:
On the 26th of June 2009 the Bureau installed a new C - Band radar at Carnarvon, replacing the existing WF100 radar.
The Carnarvon radar has an unrestricted 360 degree view with no
permanent echoes. Some anomalous propagation may occur, usually
manifested as false echoes along the Shark Bay coastline and extending
north to include the islands off Carnarvon. This phenomenon usually
occurs due to an inversion layer or when strong winds whip up spray
from large swells just offshore.
During the summer months cyclonic formations may occasionally be
observed out to sea but it is more common to observe cyclones that have
crossed the coast in the north Gascoyne or Pilbara regions, weaken into
rain bearing depressions as they pass through the Gascoyne region
tracking south-east.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Dampier
Location: Queens Lookout, East Intercourse Island
(lat 20.65 deg S, long 116.69 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 24 hours per day
Interpretation Notes:
Dampier Radar has an unrestricted 360 degree view from its site 50
metres above sea level, and though no major permanent echoes appear, a
small amount of low intensity clutter may be visible around parts of
the coast and the islands surrounding Dampier and offshore to the west.
Dampier Radar is susceptible to a small amount of false echoes on land
during the dry months. These echoes are characterised by erratic
movement and very low intensities. During the wet season between
December and March anomalous propagation may cause significant false
echoes to appear for distances up to 60 kilometres along the coastline
and seaward of it.
During the wet season (primarily January to March), thunderstorm clouds
and cyclonic formations are generally well defined for distances up to
approx 250 kilometres. Beyond that distance signal attenuation gives
the appearance of less intensity than possibly exists. These formations
are easily identified from false echoes by their regular rates in
movement and direction. Thunderstorm activity can be viewed generally
on a daily basis during the wet season, general preferred locations are
in a trough line from the southwest to the southeast of
Dampier/Karratha in and about the ranges. Heavy rain directly over the
radar site can cause attenuation of all signals. Path attenuation can
also occur when the radar beam passes through intense rainfall, with
the returned signals from cells further along that path reduced.
Esperance
Location: Esperance Meteorological Office (lat
33.83 deg S, long 121.89 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0001, 0130 - 0700,
0900 - 1300, 1430 - 1900. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes:
The Esperance Radar, which has its antenna mounted on 10 metre tower,
thus providing coverage from 40 metres above sea level (M.O. at 30
metres ASL), has an unrestricted 360 degree view with no permanent
echoes. Some anomalous propagation (AP) may occur within 20 kilometres
of the radar site and provides a radar image of echoes appearing to
dance around the station. When very hot conditions combined with
northerly winds exist, speckled AP may be observed. During early
mornings, in conditions of very low temperature, areas of AP may also
appear, mainly to the east of station.
The radar has an effective range beyond 250 kilometres and therefore
thunderstorms can be seen further out than Norseman and Balladonia and
approaching cold fronts from the south-west may be observed as they
pass through Bremer Bay.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Eucla
Location: Eucla Meteorological Office (lat 31.68
deg S long 128.89 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0700, 0900 - 1300, 1430
- 1900. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes:
There are no permanent echoes associated with the Eucla radar. During
Summer, with moderate to heavy sea haze thrown up by the afternoon sea
breezes, there may be quite heavy echoes developed up to 50 kilometres
out to sea extending from ESE to SW.
Any approaching weather, generally from the SW through to the NW,
usually has well defined echoes at up to 300 kilometres range.
Thunderstorm and rain areas associated with troughs during Spring and
Summer are quite noticeable and easily tracked.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Geraldton
Location: Geraldton Meteorological Office (lat
28.80 deg S, long 114.70 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0001, 0130 - 0700,
0900 - 1300, 1430 - 1900
Interpretation Notes:
Geraldton Weather Watch radar has good coverage in all directions.
Intense thunderstorm or cold fronts can be seen up to 250 kilometres
away, however at this distance the radar is sensing the upper structure
of the system and may give an incorrect approximation of the actual
surface rainfall intensity of the system. The radar is susceptible to
anomalous propagation (AP) for distances up to 80 kilometres along the
coastline and seaward of it. The AP appears as an area of low intensity
echoes usually around the Abrolhos Islands (the Abrolhos Islands group
stretches from a position approximately 80 kilometres west of Geraldton
running north-west, roughly parallel to the coast, for approximately 80
kilometres). Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause
attenuation of all signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the
radar beam passes through intense rainfall, with the returned signals
from cells further along that path reduced.
Giles
Location: Giles Meteorological Office (lat 25.03
deg S, long 128.30 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0001, 0130 - 0700,
0900 - 1300, 1430 - 1900. * All times WST*
Interpretation Notes: NOT YET AVAILABLE
Halls Creek
Location: Halls Creek Meteorological Office (lat
18.23 deg S, long 127.66 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2100 - 0001, 0130 - 0700,
0900 - 1300, 1430 - 1900
Interpretation Notes: NOT YET AVAILABLE
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Location: Adjacent Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport
(lat 30.79 deg S long 121.45 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 2030 - 0115, 0230 - 0715, 0900
- 1315, 1430 - 1915. * All times WST *
Interpretation Notes:
The Kalgoorlie-Boulder radar has good coverage in all directions, due
mainly to the flat topography of the area. The local Goldmine Dumps (5
Km in the NE quadrant) do not affect the radar signal. During the
Summer months severe thunderstorms can sometimes be seen to the maximum
range of 250 kilometres, even though smaller showers cannot be seen at
this range. In the Winter months, general rain areas can be detected,
these can cover a great area and generally move from the northwest.
Winter Thunderstorms can also be detected, although these generally
don't achieve the intensity of Summer thunderstorms.
As a general rule the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Weather Watch radar has a
coverage of Leonora to the North, Norseman to the South, Southern Cross
to the West and Zanthus to the East.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Go to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder radar
Learmonth
Location: Cape Range National Park (lat 22.10 deg
S long 114.00 deg E)
Type: TVDR 2500 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 24 hours per day
Interpretation Notes:
The Learmonth radar has 360 degree unimpeded view of the area and is approximately 330 metres above sea level. Radar images can be subject to anomalous propagation of the radar signal which results in false echoes along Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo Reef is in close proximity to the shore and follows the western coastline of North West Cape. False echoes caused by reflections off the hills in the inland Pilbara can also be observed from time to time in the south-east quadrant of the radar image out to a range of 250 km. This anomalous propagation is easily identified and is displayed as a mass of low intensity echoes constantly changing shape with no apparent direction of movement. True rain echoes normally have a consistent direction of movement from one scan to the next. Echoes within approximately five kilometres of the radar and overhead can be poorly resolved as the scanning elevation is too low.
Perth
Location: Roof of Dumas House, 2 Havelock St West
Perth (opposite Kings Park).
(lat 31.95 deg S, long 115.84 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 24 hours per day.
Interpretation Notes:
Perth Weather Watch radar has good coverage in all directions. Intense
thunderstorm or cold fronts can be seen up to 250 kilometres away,
however at this distance the radar is sensing the upper structure of
the system and may give an incorrect approximation of the actual
surface rainfall intensity of the system.
The radar is susceptible to anomalous propagation (AP) for distances up
to 60 kilometres along the coastline and seaward of it. The AP appears
as an area of low intensity echoes. A local phenomenon which has been
observed occasionally is that of false mirror echoes approaching the
radar from the southeast as an intense cold front approaches from the
south west.
Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation of all
signals. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam passes
through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells further
along that path reduced.
Port Hedland
Location: Port Hedland Airport (lat 20.37 deg S,
long 118.63 deg E)
Type: TVDR-2500 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 24 hours per day
Interpretation Notes:
The Radar is located at the airport approximately 7km from the coast on
flat open country with few trees. The coastline runs broadly from the
northeast to the southwest. The terrain within 100km is generally lower
than 200m above mean sea level (amsl). Between 100 and 200km the land
rises to around 450m amsl. Ground above 500m amsl occurs to the south
west at around 300km. These features are mostly beyond the geographical
horizon, thus ensuring that the radar's horizon is unobstructed and
that there are no significant restrictions to radar coverage. The radar
is well located to detect tropical cyclones and storms as they approach
or develop over the ocean. During the wet season, tropical cyclones and
thunderstorm clouds are generally clearly visible on the radar for
distances of up to approximately 250 km. It is common in the wet season
(primarily January to March) for thunderstorm cells to form to the
South of Port Hedland, with individual cells sometimes merging to form
a line of storms running in a NE/SW direction, anywhere from 60 km to
200 km South of Port Hedland. Favourable locations for thunderstorm
activity, as seen on the radar in these events, are generally over the
ranges to the South of Port Hedland. In strong wind conditions the
radar may detect the rough sea surface and show "sea clutter" over the
ocean. It can often be difficult to differentiate between sea clutter
and light precipitation. During the dry season, the radar may
experience effects of "anomalous propagation". At these times the radar
beam is more strongly curved towards the earth and features normally
beyond the radar's horizon may become visible on the display. These
anomalous features may appear like discrete patches of light rainfall.
Wyndham
Location: Five Rivers Bastion, overlooking the
town of Wyndham (lat 15.45 deg S, long 128.12 deg E)
Type: WF 100 (C Band, 5 centimetre wavelength)
Availability (Typical): 24 hours per day
Interpretation Notes:
Wyndham Radar has an unrestricted 360 degree view from a commanding
site 350 metres above sea level. Though no major permanent echoes
appear, a small amount of low intensity clutter may be visible around
parts of the coast and the surrounding islands. Wyndham Radar is
occasionally susceptible to varying amounts of false echoes over the
land, particularly during the dry months. Such echoes are generally
characterised by erratic movement and on occasion may show significant
intensity. During the wet season between December and March, anomalous
propagation may cause false echoes to appear for distances of some tens
of kilometres along the coastline and seawards. The installation dates
from mid-2001 and it may take some time to gain particular experience
with these anomalous effects which vary both seasonally and with time
of day. Comparison with satellite images is often helpful in
identifying spurious radar echoes. During the wet season (primarily
January to March), thunderstorm clouds and cyclonic formations are
generally well defined for distances up to 250 kilometres and
occasionally further for structures which extend to high altitudes.
Beyond that distance attenuation effects may give the appearance of
less intensity than possibly exists. These formations are easily
distinguished from false echoes by their general appearance and
behaviour, e.g. regular rates of movement in distance and direction.
Thunderstorm activity can often be seen on a daily basis during the wet
season. Heavy rain directly over the radar site can cause attenuation
of all echoes. Path attenuation can also occur when the radar beam
passes through intense rainfall, with the returned signals from cells
further along that path reduced. Extreme effects of this kind are
generally fairly short lived as the rain bearing systems tend to move
relative to the radar and to each other.