New weather radars coming to Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s two weather radars will be receiving an upgrade.

Currently, 20 radars across the country are set to be replaced, including the ones in Bethune and Radisson.

Environment Canada is also looking at replacing the remaining 11 in the country as well. A new radar location will also be added, bringing the total to 32 in Canada.

Genevieve Bechard with the weather agency said the radars allow Environment Canada to better see the activity within clouds. The technology will also double the range of the radars.

“They’re very, very useful for extreme weather events like hail, snow and tornadoes,” Bechard said.

She added it’s important people are warned about extreme weather early so they can be better prepared.

The weather radar in Bethune, northwest of Regina, has been plagued with down time. Bechard said the new radars will hopefully decrease the amount of time the radars need to be offline.

There is no schedule set for when the replacements will begin. Berchard did say the first will take place at the end of fall this year and all are expected to be completed by 2023.

The contract for the 20 radars will cost $83 million.

Radisson is located around 66 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.