The Canterbury Weather Radar, located in Rakaia, is on track to be operational next month.
The radar, which had served the area for over 30 years, was recently decommissioned and removed to make way for a modern replacement.
Metservice confirmed that the old radar site has been cleared and construction of the new radar infrastructure is well underway.
The project includes a new foundation, tower, and two auxiliary buildings, as well as the installation of cutting-edge dual-polarisation radar technology.
Photo: Metservice / Scope Group
This technology is expected to provide more detailed and accurate information about weather events, including the ability to distinguish between types of precipitation such as rain, hail, and snow.
Benefits for Canterbury and beyond
The new radar will significantly enhance weather forecasting services for Canterbury communities and extend high-level coverage to Otago and Marlborough.
Metservice said the technology will be especially beneficial for emergency services, aviation, maritime safety, and local councils.
The upgraded system will also improve storm detection and analysis, offering insights into hail presence, mixed precipitation, and freezing levels.
Additionally, the radar’s ability to correct for signal attenuation will provide clearer images of distant storms.
The new tower has been designed to meet stringent seismic standards, ensuring its resilience in earthquakes.
The Canterbury radar was taken offline on 29 September, with the replacement expected to be operational by mid-December, provided weather conditions remain favourable.
In the meantime, Metservice meteorologists are relying on alternative data sources, including composite radar images from Wellington, Otago, and Westland, as well as satellite imagery, weather balloons, lightning detection networks, and computer models.
While some forecasting services may be affected during the upgrade, Metservice said its expert team is using every available tool to deliver accurate weather updates.
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings will continue to be issued based on a combination of these resources.
Despite suggestions to relocate the radar to the Port Hills, Metservice said the current site in Rakaia is ideal due to its clear view of the lower atmosphere over the Canterbury Plains.
The flat terrain provides unobstructed coverage up to 300km from the radar, making it a strategic location for weather monitoring.
Once operational, the upgraded radar will provide Canterbury residents and industries with enhanced weather information, ensuring safer and more informed decision-making during severe weather events.
