NWS Green Bay Radar Transmitter Refurbishment This Week

Beginning September 3, 2019, the KGRB WSR-88D radar operated by the NOAA National Weather Service in Green Bay, WI will be down for approximately five days for the refurbishment of the transmitter. The radar transmitter produces the short duration electromagnetic signal that is used to detect precipitation in the atmosphere. Although the form, fit, and function of the transmitter will remain the same, old breakers and cables original to the radar will be replaced with modern fuses and new cables. This will help keep the 25-year-old radar operating smoothly for another 20 years.

This transmitter update is the second major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030’s. NOAA National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the seven year program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor. The two remaining projects are the refurbishment of the pedestal and equipment shelters. The Service Life Extension Program will complete in 2022.

During the downtime, you can view adjacent radars, which include: Duluth, Marquette, Milwaukee, and La Crosse. For access to any of these surrounding radar sites, go to the following web page: https://radar.weather.gov or any number of websites and mobile/tablet apps where WSR-88D weather radar data are available in real-time.

The KGRB 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.

Nearby Radars:

Regional and National Mosaics: