Maoming's newly constructed next-generation weather radar recently captured its inaugural radar image, marking a critical milestone in Guangdong's meteorological modernization.
The image revealed persistent high-reflectivity precipitation echoes over Maoming and southern Guangxi, providing vital early warnings for ongoing heavy rainfall in the region.
Photo: Guangdong Meteorological Service
Supported by the Maoming Meteorological Bureau, this breakthrough signifies the imminent operational launch of a long-anticipated public welfare project, addressing a critical monitoring gap in western Guangdong's mountainous "rain hotspots" and reinforcing the province's multi-tiered disaster prevention network.
As a flagship initiative under Guangdong's meteorological development plan, the radar system comprises four core modules: an S-band dual-polarization weather radar, a towering radar station, an intelligent data processing hub, and a precipitation calibration field.
Since securing provincial approval in August 2022, construction teams overcame formidable challenges—including mountainous terrain and logistical hurdles—to complete the 22-month project, culminating in the precise calibration of the equipment.
This "tech sentinel" will operate continuously, with heightened vigilance during flood seasons, to combat extreme weather events such as torrential "dragon boat rains" and typhoons.
Its strategic location overcomes geographical barriers, offering unprecedented coverage of western Guangdong's historically unmonitored flood-prone zones. Equipped with advanced dual-polarization technology, the radar distinguishes precipitation types and particle shapes with enhanced accuracy, significantly improving lead times and precision for severe convective weather alerts.
Notably, it has already demonstrated its value by supporting meteorological services for the 15th National Games' mass orientation competition.
Looking ahead, this "all-seeing eye" will safeguard lives and property across western Guangdong while serving as a frontline guardian for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's safety. By integrating cutting-edge meteorological capabilities, it injects technological momentum into Guangdong's mission to become a national model for climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
