A NEW weather radar for the Wimmera is one step closer to fruition with works started on the $5-million construction.
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Funding for the radar was first announced in April 2016 and a location was chosen for the project in November last year.
The Doppler radar will be at Pullut, 10 kilometres south of Rainbow.
Works have now started on the radar's base and Agriculture Victoria will host an information session about the project at Rainbow Bowls Club on Thursday.
The forum will include presentations from Bureau of Meteorology state manager Andrew Tupper and Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey.
Dr Tupper said data from the radar would be used by Bureau of Meteorology forecasters.
"This is an important project for the region's primary producers who depend so much on accurate rainfall forecasts," he said.
"The data available through the radar will help growers make informed choices about harvesting, tillage and the use of chemicals and fertilisers."
Dr Tupper said the radar would also provide critical information for emergency services.
He said the radar would enhance short-term forecasts and assist bureau experts during severe weather events.
He said the system would be a dual-polarised Doppler radar, which were regarded as providing the best tools for observing real-time rainfall, storms and even debris in the atmosphere, across large areas.
Radars use electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones to detect rain drops, hail or snow; Doppler radars can also measure wind by detecting the speed of movement of the water that they encounter.
Dr Tupper said innovations meant there would less problems with dust of birds interferrering with radar data. such as dust or even flocks of birds with newer equipment than older radars, meaning more accurate readings.
"There are still issues with interference but this radar will feature the newest technology," he said.
Mr Grey will follow Dr Tupper's presentation with an update on what the climate models are predicting for the rest of winter and spring.
He will also provide information on how to interpret climate models and weather data and how this information is best used when making decisions on-farm.
Money for the construction of the equipment comes from the government, while the federal government will contribute $3.5 million, the budgeted operational costs for the radar for 15 years.
The state-of-the-art radar is due to start operating by mid-2020.
