The Hong Kong Observatory is seeking HK$55 million for 3 radars to monitor severe weather

Environment authorities are seeking HK$55 million (US$7 million) in funding to install three more radar systems aimed at boosting Hong Kong’s ability to monitor and warn of serious weather.

The existing Phased Array Weather Radar (PAWR) proved effective in monitoring rapidly changing adverse conditions, but it could not cover the entire city, the Hong Kong Observatory said.

“We want to expand our ability to monitor and provide early warning of adverse or severe weather,” said environment chief Tse Chin-wan at a meeting of the Legislative Council on Monday.

“So we are proposing to implement a phased array weather system for the entire area.”

It also said it could help improve meteorological data sharing in the Greater Bay Area and boost the low-elevation economy by providing more timely weather information.

The existing PAWR at Sha Lo Wan on Lantau Island had a maximum range of about 60 km, leaving some blind spots in the densely populated areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.