Radar on Flores Island puts Azores at "forefront" of weather monitoring, stresses José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, opened today the Flores weather radar, located in Morro Alto.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this investment reinforces theAzores' role as "a region of opportunities" and a strategic point for sharing scientific knowledge in the transatlantic context.

"The Azores are not just a geographical border but a strategic reference that strengthens Portugal's relevance on the international stage," he said. 

This radar is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) - MAR-TC-C10-i01 Blue Hub - Infrastructure Network for the Blue Economy - with a total investment of about 4.9 million Euros. In addition to the Flores radar, a second weather radar was installed on São Miguel in Pico dos Santos de Cima. The project also included two weather stations and two electrical discharge detectors, located at Santa Cruz das Flores airport and in Nordeste. 

The new radars use dual polarisation Doppler technology, capable of detecting precipitation, hail and hailstones within a radius of up to 300 km. This feature makes it possible to accurately monitor atmospheric conditions in real-time, assess the intensity of precipitation and predict the movement of storms. The information collected is visualised in images updated every 5 minutes, essential for meteorologists as well as for issuing timely warnings to the population and civil protection services. 

The installation of these radars in the Azores completes the national network of weather radars, a project that began in the 1980s.

"This network is fundamental for detecting and monitoring adverse meteorological phenomena, contributing to the safety of the population and the protection of property," highlighted José Manuel Boleiro.

In addition to its scientific and strategic value, the radar represents a significant improvement in weather forecasting, benefiting sectors such as maritime and air navigation, agriculture and civil protection.

 The nowcasting feature - short-term forecasting of up to three hours - increases the ability to respond to extreme phenomena, providing greater safety for the population and visitors. 

He also stressed that the installation of these radars fulfils the Azores' right to adequate weather surveillance.

"We are investing in the safety of our communities. The Azores hold significantly greater value, and we shall strive to enhance this investment," he said.

With this state-of-the-art technological infrastructure, the Azores are consolidating their position as a strategic point in the Atlantic, reinforcing their role in climate monitoring and global scientific study.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of IPMA-Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, José Ângelo Guerreiro da Silva, and the Director of the Azores Regional Branch, Carlos Ramalho.