KMSX radar outage

Active Weather for the West, Warming in the East

The potential for heavy snow at higher elevations in the western U.S. will continue for many spots through the weekend. In the meantime, the eastern half of the continental U.S. will transition to above normal temperatures ahead of a pair of cold fronts next week that will bring readings back to closer to normal as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Read More >

NWS Missoula Planned Radar Outage National Weather Service announces radar outage during major upgrade Contacts: Bruce Bauck, Meteorologist-In-Charge bruce.bauck@noaa.gov, 406-329-4715 Marty Whitmore, Warning Coordination Meteorologist marty.whitmore@noaa.gov, 406-329-4715 Beginning July 29, the KMSX WSR-88D operated by NOAA’s National Weather Service in Missoula, MT will be down for approximately two weeks for an important upgrade. Technicians will refurbish and replace the pedestal, one of the most critical components of the radar, which is necessary for antenna rotation and positioning to capture data in all directions. The components are extremely heavy and will require the radome to be removed by crane and replaced when the work is completed. The radar and pedestal were designed to last 25 years, and this radar has exceeded its life-span. This activity is necessary to keep the radar functioning for another 20 years or more. The pedestal refurbishment is the third major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030s. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $135 million in the eight year program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the refurbishment of the transmitter. The fourth project will be the refurbishment of the equipment shelters. During the downtime, adjacent radars will be available, including: KOTX near Spokane, WA, KTFX near Great Falls, MT, KCBX near Boise, ID, KSFX near Pocatello, ID, and KPDT near Pendleton, OR. For direct access to any of these surrounding radar sites, visit the following web page: https://radar.weather.gov/ The KMSX WSR-88D is part of a network of 159 operational radars. The Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma, provides lifecycle management and support for all WSR-88Ds. The National Weather Service in Missoula, MT can be found on social media at facebook.com/NWSMissoula and x.com/NWSMissoula.