Tech issues hound Albany Doppler Radar

In the midst of a soaking wet winter, some weather watchers are becoming frustrated with technical issues with the Albany Doppler Radar.

The radar was switched off in late June, just weeks after coming back online after separate problems in May.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman said they hoped to get the radar back online midweek, but as of Thursday morning it was still down.

“The bureau is working as a priority to rectify a technical issue that has taken Albany’s radar offline,” the spokeswoman said last week.

“The bureau is working to get the Albany weather radar online by mid next week, and will then follow up for further in-depth investigation when technicians can safely travel.

“The work continues to be impacted by constantly shifting COVID-19 restrictions.”

The bureau spokeswoman said there were alternative methods for monitoring Albany weather.

“Radars form only one part of a composite observing network, which includes satellite, lightning detection data services, upper air and surface observations together with predictions from advanced computer models,” she said.

“The composite nature of these systems means the bureau can ensure high-quality forecasts and warnings for Albany.

“There is no change to images on the BOM Weather app, and those who use the Albany radar page on the bureau website to monitor rainfall should instead use the Newdegate radar which also provides coverage for Albany town and surrounding areas.”

Others suggestions included the Himawari satellite viewer at satview.bom.gov.au and graphical weather map service MetEye at bom.gov.au/australia/meteye.