Observatory to invest $55mn for three sets of radars to monitor inclement weather

The Observatory intends to procure three sets of Phased Array Weather Radars (PAWR) to enhance the monitoring and forecasting capabilities for high-impact weather in Hong Kong.

The weather watchdog is seeking HK$55 million in funding from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for the initiative, expecting the new PAWRs to be tested and put into operation by June 2027. 

The city's first PAWR at Sha Lo Wan was installed in 2021. After two years of operation, the Observatory said PAWR has demonstrated the ability to complete volume scans in one-sixth the time of long-range Doppler weather radar systems while providing five times the resolution to effectively capture rapidly changing inclement weather such as hail, intense thunderstorms and the associated severe gusts.

As the maximum range covered is approximately 60 kilometers, the PAWR at Sha Lo Wan does not cover the entire city. Therefore, the Observatory considers it necessary to establish a PAWR network to cover densely populated areas, including the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island.

Additionally, authorities stated that the PAWR will enhance the Observatory's understanding of rainstorm characteristics and evolution, thereby improving the rainstorm warning system.