Doppler Radar Works Begin as Hurricane Season Subsides

The Kearney Gomez Doppler Radar will be temporarily taken offline from 14 November to 31 December 2025 to facilitate critical upgrade works. The radar, managed and operated by the Cayman Islands National Weather Service (CINWS), plays a key role in collecting meteorological data that is used by the Service and shared with regional partners.

The scheduled downtime is part of an ongoing comprehensive radar upgrade, that includes the replacement of aging components. Once these upgrades are completed, the system’s operational life span should increase by over 10 years. During the upgrade period, CINWS will continue to provide accurate weather forecasts using satellite, model, and global radar data from partner meteorological agencies.

“With the arrival of cooler temperatures and the onset of cold fronts, current forecasts indicate that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has effectively concluded. The timing of this upgrade therefore ensures minimal disruption to weather monitoring”, CINWS Director General John Tibbetts, explained. “’While the radar will be temporarily unavailable during these works, the Cayman Islands will still remain covered through alternative observation and forecasting tools. This project is a major step forward in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of our radar system for years to come.”

The upgrade is being led by global radar manufacturer, Leonardo Germany, and will incorporate the latest technological advancements to improve detection capabilities, data accuracy, and system efficiency. Once completed, the radar will deliver enhanced real-time coverage during all weather events.

CINWS thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this temporary downtime.

For additional information and updates, please visit www.weather.gov.ky  or follow the Cayman Islands National Weather Service on social media and WhatsApp.