Rotating silently above the Hornsby plateau the Terry Hills Weather Watch Radar stands sentinel. Its dome a watchful eye surveying the vast expanse of Sydney and beyond. This isn’t just a weather station it’s a vital link in Australia’s weather forecasting network.
The Terry Hills radar located 18 kilometers north of Sydney’s CBD sits at 195 meters above sea level. This strategic position on the Hornsby plateau provides an almost unobstructed view. The Great Dividing Range slightly obscures its westward gaze. However the radar boasts exceptional coverage to the north east and south.
Imagine the power of this machine. It can detect thunderstorms and heavy rain systems from afar. Often further than its officially quoted range. Its high sensitivity picks up even the lightest showers and drizzle across Sydney the Central Coast and Blue Mountains. The curvature of the Earth however limits its ability to detect shallow systems at long distances. For those in Newcastle the Hunter Valley and the lower Mid North Coast the Newcastle radar provides more localized information. Similarly the Wollongong Appin radar serves the Illawarra region and the Canberra radar the Southern Tablelands.
The Terry Hills radar isn’t just looking for rain. It also detects non-meteorological echoes. Hills buildings and other solid objects typically get filtered out. However occasionally some slip through appearing as small specks. These are most common over the higher terrain of the Blue Mountains Southern Highlands and Barrington Tops. On cold clear winter nights these specks intensify. Downward refraction of the radar beam is the culprit. Ships are another common blip appearing as specks or short arcs. These can be tracked moving to and from port across multiple images. Strong winds and rough seas create sea clutter detectable up to 30 kilometers offshore. This remains stationary differentiating it from rain echoes which move with the wind.
The Terry Hills Weather Watch Radar a crucial piece of infrastructure. It silently safeguards lives and livelihoods. Its data helps us prepare for the inevitable storms and enjoy the sunny days. Its tireless vigilance a testament to human ingenuity. Its contribution to the safety and well-being of countless individuals is undeniable. Its a silent guardian a steadfast protector always watching over us.