Getting the most out of Bureau of Meteorology data

Behind the weekly temperature and rainfall forecasts, and the much-loved radar, sits an abundance of data, both raw and interpreted. If you know where to look, this data can be a useful decision-making tool.

Following a recent PotatoLink online training webinar with senior members of the Bureau of Meteorology, Paulette Baumgartl has collated the key points for a comprehensive article in Issue 09 of PotatoLink magazine:

• The Bureau of Meteorology provides weather observations and historical data dating back to the 1800s.

• This data helps in understanding climate patterns, optimal planting windows for crops, and potential risks associated with weather events.

• Average condition maps illustrate rainfall, temperature, sunshine, cloud cover, wind patterns, cyclones, storms, and bushfire occurrences. They are useful for quickly understanding typical weather patterns in a specific area.

• Nowcasting provides real-time weather information for the immediate future, ranging from the next minute to the next hour. Users can access the radar and satellite viewers to track rainfall, storms, cloud cover, and wind patterns.

• Forecasting uses advanced models to provide weather forecasts for the coming weeks, months, and seasons. The MetEye tool allows users to access comprehensive forecasts for specific locations and provides insights into the probability of rainfall occurring.

• Futurecasting involves seasonal and long-range forecasts. The Climate and Past Weather section offers climate outlook maps and tools to assist in decision-making for sectors like agriculture.

• The Bureau’s website provides navigation instructions to access historical data, recent observations, nowcasting tools, and forecasting tools. Users can visit the specific sections under the Climate and Past Weather category to access the desired tools and information.