26 June 2013 - Environment
Minister Tony Burke, today unveiled a new
state-of-the-art, interactive weather resource
to help people access real-time, user-friendly
weather information.
Mr Burke said MetEye
was developed as part of the Next Generation
Forecast and Warning System, a $30 million
upgrade of weather services through the
Bureau of Meteorology funded by the Australian
Government.
“Every day people make
decisions based on the weather forecast,”
Mr Burke said.
“Access to accurate
and clear information is crucial to those
decisions we make every day.
“This new resource brings
together the most popular elements of the
Bureau’s website into one convenient platform,
providing a better way for the public to
explore the local weather.
“When the roll out is
complete MetEye will display forecasts,
satellite and radar imagery, as well as
other observations for any location in Australia,
enabling users to combine layers of weather
information such as temperature, rainfall,
cloud cover and wind speed.”
Mr Burke said MetEye
will also benefit the emergency services
community.
“MetEye will assist
with planning and response for severe weather
events. It includes real-time river observations,
upgraded every six to nine minutes. These
indicate where a river is rising and whether
it is at a minor, moderate or major flood
level. Users can overlay satellite and radar
imagery which, together with forecasts,
will help inform their decision making.
“MetEye will also display
significant weather forecasts up to seven
days in advance, including the likelihood
of thunderstorms, snow, rain, fog and frost.
These elements can be ‘played’ in an animation
that covers the seven day forecast period
for the whole of Australia or a specific
location, helping emergency services prepare
for significant weather events.
“Importantly, MetEye
includes detailed text-based information
ensuring the website is accessible for everyone,
including those with lower speed internet
access.”
The full suite of MetEye
services is now available in New South Wales,
Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and
Western Australia. Queensland and the Northern
Territory have access to all MetEye information
except forecast services, which will become
available once the roll out of the Next
Generation Forecast and Warning System is
completed next year.
