Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, said weather forecasting across Australia "will be transformed" with a $78.5m investment in "next generation" weather forecasting and warning systems.

The BoM will commission four new radars to be installed over a five-year period starting this year, with the rollout and integration to the existing radar system to cost $48 million.

This year's Budget papers reveal that for surrounding communities this upgrade will mean enhanced weather surveillance for a huge number of areas in Australia that currently have limited or no weather surveillance.

It will improve cyclone tracking and early warning capabilities, provide improved rainfall, storm and flood threat protection, and improved wind predictions which will help boost bushfire surveillance.

The Government will also start rolling out advanced weather forecasting and warning technology.

The number of towns receiving seven-day forecasts will be increased from the current seven capital cities to 650 towns across rural and regional Australia.

"Accurate weather forecasting is crucially important during severe weather such as cyclones, thunderstorms, floods and bushfires and the next generation weather forecast and warning system will ensure that Australia has the best possible system," Mr Garrett said.

$16.1m over four years will also go to specialised weather services for aviation and defence sectors.