Bureau of Meteorology Activates Replacement Weather Radar in Wyndham
A replacement weather radar in Wyndham became operational on Thursday, 22 October, restoring coverage to Western Australia's north-east Kimberley and the Northern Territory's north-west Gregory district ahead of the wet season, the Bureau of Meteorology announced.
The installation follows the destruction of the previous radar, which was damaged beyond repair by a fire caused by a lightning strike in December 2025. The bureau deployed a temporary unit to reinstate services ahead of the delivery of a permanent system.
According to the bureau, the temporary radar includes features not present on the previous equipment, specifically Doppler wind imaging to measure wind speed and dual-polarisation capability to help identify precipitation types and enhance image interpretation. The unit was prepared through engineering works in Gladstone, Queensland, before being transported to Wyndham.
Todd Smith, Hazard Preparedness and Response Manager (North and West) at the bureau, stated that restoring coverage will provide local communities with more detailed tracking of showers and storms as the wet season begins.
The Bureau of Meteorology stated that procurement for a permanent replacement radar—which will also feature Doppler wind and dual-polarisation technologies—is currently underway. Indicative timelines for the permanent installation are expected to be published on the bureau's website once procurement concludes.
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