Shannon weather radar is one half of Ireland’s weather radar network, the other being at Dublin Airport. This network provides a steady stream of information 24 hours a day, 65 days a year via Met Éireann’s website and app. The upgrades to the radar will enhance the measurement capabilities of the location and intensity of precipitation across Ireland.

Replacement work is starting in May and is expected to be completed by Autumn. During this period, the South and West of the country will receive a modified weather service from a temporary radar in Co. Cork. Met Éireann’s forecasting services will continue as normal, however, changes can be expected on the radar image shown on ‘Latest Radar’ on the website and app for the aforementioned regions due to the image comprising of combined information from the weather radar at Dublin Airport, the temporary one in Co. Cork and two UK Met Office radars in Belfast and Wales, when available.

The current Shannon weather radar is a C-band single-polarisation radar that uses a radar pulse with a wavelength of 5.6cm, which suits operation in Ireland, as it’s sensitive enough to detect light rain and drizzle.

The new radar will be dual polarisation. Dual polarisation weather radars involve cutting-edge technology and software with the ability to discern between types of precipitation like rain, heavy rain, snow and sleet, and they’re better at discerning precipitation from objects such as buildings and birds.

“As part of our continual improvement, Met Éireann looks forward to delivering this state-of-the-art weather radar that will serve the south-west and national public for many years to come with high-quality precipitation observations,” Sarah Gallagher, Head of Observations Division at Met Éireann, said. “Ireland’s weather radar data is fundamental to the provision of accurate forecasts and weather warnings, supporting emergency management and the protection of life and property.”