Date: 202106
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Flight conditions: Mixed
Weather elements / visibility: Cloudy; Rain
Light: Dusk
Aircraft: A319
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Climb
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Weather Radar
Component problem: Failed; Improperly Operated
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: We were climbing out on the SID when we realized that our onboard weather (WX) Radar might be inoperative (INOP).  Just then; ATC asked us if we would like to deviate left or right around WX.  We asked if we could stay on our present heading (HDG) 325; which was a left deviation; and that our radar might be INOP.  He cleared us to continue; and advise. Unbeknownst to us are present HDG would take us direct to ZZZ.  The importance of that will be apparent; shortly.I transferred control to the First Officer (FO) and began to troubleshoot the problem.  Finding no approved procedure I contacted Dispatch. They advised that if we cannot continue to ZZZ1; we should consider a divert to ZZZ.  I determined distance; checked WX; and did a non-standard landing assessment.  All were satisfactory; we would be under maximum landing weight (MAX LDG WGT) and outside visual reference showed no convective activity ahead; to the horizon.  I notified dispatch that we agreed. Dispatch amended our release for diversion to ZZZ and we informed ATC. At this point we were approximately 94 nautical miles from ZZZ. I asked the FO to handle the radio while I briefed the Flight attendants (FA's) and the passengers (PAX). I briefed the FA's that we were diverting for INOP WX radar and that it would be a 'Precautionary landing'. The FO was already given a routing to ZZZ so I had an accurate arrival time. Next; I briefed the PAX and I sent the diversion report to dispatch.After; completing my briefings I rejoined the FO and he briefed me; that we were cleared direct to STAR and descending to 24000. We were told to contact ZZZ approach.  I informed them of our situation and notified ATC.  We completed the arrival briefing and accomplished the Descent Checklist.  I called ZZZ operations to verify that they had been informed of our arrival and reconfirm our gate assignment.  I asked them to send a Customer Service Manager to help with the PAX.  We landed and taxied to the gate without further incident. Roughly two hours later we departed for ZZZ1 and landed there; also without further incident.The reasons for submitting this report are as follows.                                                 1.  To voluntarily share the details of our event so that the program can glean important data; and use it to remedy any deficiencies or discrepancies discovered.2.  To afford me the protections guaranteed by the program; should; during the course of it's review; company discover that any actions or omissions on my part; though inadvertent and unintentional be determined to be in violation of applicable FARs or company policies.


Second narrative: During climbout; we realized weather (WX) radar was not working. Captain (CA) transferred controls to FIRST Officer (FO) and began to troubleshoot. No approved procedure was found in QRH. CA coordinated with dispatch; who recommended ZZZ as a divert. We [notified ATC] and requested divert to ZZZ. Cleared STAR. Landed without incident. Once at gate; we coordinated with dispatch and maintenance. Once WX radar system was reset; we continued to original destination ZZZ1.System failure: Consider adding circuit breaker reset for this system in QRH. This ended up being the corrective action taken by maintenance and could have avoided diversion and lengthy delay.


Synopsis: A319 flight crew reported diverting due to weather and the weather radar failing.