Achievements of the Dwyer Years (continued)

The Bureau's network of observations was considerably expanded and included 21 radar wind-finding stations, 16 of which also observed occurrence and movement of precipitation, a facility which was extremely valuable in tropical cyclone forecasting and warning. Two additional radar stations were installed near Cairns and at Cape Byron specifically for weather watching. Plans were well advanced for the installation of a radar for weather watching and research on top of the physics building of the University of Melbourne.

Figure 40 Allan Rainbird, another Cadet Meteorologist, was the first forecaster to present a weather program on ABC TV. He later played a major role in developing the Bureau's Hydrometeorological Section. This photograph pictures the Cadet Meteorologists who graduated from the Bureau's forecasters training course in 1953. Left to right, back row Rob Forster, John Lillywhite (OIC Training), Don Handcock, front row Julian Clifford, Allan Rainbird.

The circular mentioned that fourteen new stations were added to the radiosonde network. The frequency of flights and altitudes reached were considerably increased. A new desert station with surface, radiosonde and radar wind equipment was installed at Giles.

With the cooperation of the US, Australia was involved in the interpretation of data from meteorological satellites. Some time later these observations were to provide a wealth of observations from data sparse areas, particularly the oceans of the southern hemisphere.

The circular indicated that two sferics (lightning discharge) networks had been installed and operated and that some AWS had been procured, installed and operated.

The telecommunications system, crucial for the preparation and dissemination of Bureau forecasts and warnings was greatly improved with a higher-speed teletype system and facsimile.

Figure 41 Neil Body, a Hydrologist/ Engineer recruited in the Dwyer years, helped develop the Bureau's Hydrometeorological Section, including the specialised flood forecasting system for the Macleay River of NSW. Neil is pictured here with his young son Christopher in May 1960.

The use of the Bureau's punch-card system was upgraded with a data bank of some nine million cards increasing by 750 000 a year. A close watch was kept on overseas developments in ADP, particularly the use of electronic computers for NWP.

Bureau of Meteorology