ABC now boasts one of the most spectacular television weather graphics packages in Australia, making use of visually stunning 3D maps, high-resolution computer model data and in-depth data sourced from weatherzone and the Bureau of Meteorology. The system installed by weatherzone also provides multiple levels of backup and redundancy, a feature vital for the national broadcaster.

For a better look at the graphics, check out your local ABC News bulletin or flick over to ABC News 24 on digital channel 24.

Competitors from all over the world are racing their environmentally friendly vehicles from Darwin to Adelaide, a total of 3000km. And maximum solar exposure is crucial.

Thankfully, the weather is staying clear and dry across the NT, as a strong high pressure ridge extends north from South Australia.

But has there been a bit of a snag? Gusty winds have pushed up into the southern part of the Territory, bringing a region of raised dust. This has reduced visibility to about seven to eight km in Tennant Creek, whereas visibility is normally up around 40 km!

The pesky dust is on it’s way out though. On Wednesday, as the race continues, the beautiful, energy-generous sun should return in full power, once again testing each solarcar’s abilities.

The race can be followed at globalgreenchallenge.com.au. Sunswift IV, UNSW’s own solar-powered speed machine, currently in seventh place, is receiving all of its weather data from Opticast, a high-accuracy forecast tool made by weatherzone.