Kim Fundingsland/MDN This weather radar site that covers the Minot area will be out of service today until Friday, Nov. 20, for scheduled upgrades. The radar is located north of Granville.

GRANVILLE – The radar the National Weather Service uses to provide informational coverage and help in compiling forecasts for Minot and the surrounding area is off-line today and will be until at least next Friday. The reason why is to allow for the installation of updated equipment.

The NWS, U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration have invested $150-million in a Service Life Extension Program for a network of 159 operational radars in the United States. The radar serving Minot, KMBX WSR-88D, is due for a generator replacement over the next seven days. The project will include fuels tanks and accompanying components.

When completed, the upgrade will support that radar’s operation during periods of commercial power outages which often occur during times of hazardous weather. The current upgrade is not the last on the schedule. Refurbishment of the pedestal that supports the radar and adjacent equipment shelters will complete the Service Life Extension Program. Those improvements are scheduled for completion in 2023.

Minot’s weather radar is viewed by many on cell phones, laptops and the like, especially during times of inclement weather such as rain or snow events. While Minot’s radar will be down during the current maintenance period, the NWS advises weather watchers to monitor adjacent radars at Bismarck, Mayville (Grand Forks), and Glasgow, Montana. The NWS Radar Operation Center is located in Norman, Oklahoma.