Weather radar rebuild complete

MetService’s Canterbury weather radar is back in action after a complete replacement during recent months.

The $3.5 million project involved the demolition of the 30-year-old radar and concrete tower, then installing a stronger 19-metre-high steel tower and the new radar on top.

Part of an ongoing investment in the New Zealand weather radar network, the new radar uses the latest dual polarisation technology to identify different types of precipitation, be it rain, hail or snow.

MetService Chief Executive Stephen Hunt says, “The new radar technology will provide more detailed weather information for the Canterbury region. Our meteorologists will use this to enhance our weather forecasting and severe weather warning services for central South Island communities, and for aviation, and civil defence agencies. We are aware that the Canterbury radar is well loved by the region and are pleased to be able to deliver improved services through this leading-edge technology.”

The radar site, located three kilometres south of Rakaia, provides coverage out to 300 kilometres encompassing all the Canterbury region, the central Southern Alps, and parts of Marlborough and Otago.

Kevin Alder, who oversees MetService’s weather observation network, says the radar can pick up the size of the droplets and their density which means rainfall rates can be determined in real time.

“Aside from its forecasting value to our meteorologists, the new rain radar will deliver significant benefits to hydrologists and emergency management staff in Environment Canterbury,” adds Kevin. The aviation community also benefits from the new radar technology, which provides enhanced information on significant weather hazards, and more accurately identifies areas aircraft should circumvent to avoid icing up. The radar imagery is popular on metservice.com and the organisation’s weather app.