![]() ![]() To better conceptualize ground-relative velocity, consider this example: if a person stood outside and did not move, the wind velocity that person felt would be "base" or "ground-relative," i.e., the actual wind in the atmosphere. Base (ground-relative) velocity is very important for assessing rear inflow jets (RIJs) and other winds that can cause potential straight-line wind damage from severe thunderstorms, as well as overall wind flow patterns in the atmosphere. This product permits assessment of the middle and upper portions of thunderstorms, and is another important tool to determine hail and damaging downburst wind potential.Įstimates actual atmospheric wind fields directed toward and away from the radar (i.e., "radial" winds). Provides maximum reflectivity values within discrete layers of the atmosphere. This product provides a quick reference as to the life cycle stage of various storms, their relative strength, and their potential for hail. Example 3.Ī plan view display of maximum reflectivity values associated with any portion of (any altitude within) a thunderstorm or other precipitating weather entity. In winter storms, reflectivity data clearly can slow banded precipitation, including snow that can lead to narrow zones of heavier snowfall amounts. The radar generates reflectivity data at various altitudes, which permits an evaluation of thunderstorms in the lower, middle, and upper portions of the storms in order to determine their vertical structure. High reflectivity values denote that heavy rain and possibly hail are occurring within thunderstorms. Reflectivity data provide a wealth of crucial information needed to issue accurate hazardous weather warnings. Used extensively to identify the location, intensity, pattern, and movement of precipitation, from light snow flurries and drizzle to heavy rain and hail. Several of the important NWS Doppler radar products available to forecasters include: The map below shows locations of WSR-88D radars across the United States. Also available are event summaries and NWS Doppler radar imagery from selective severe weather events in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Doppler radar pictures and example data fields and discussions are available on the NWS Louisville Science and Technology page. Accurate spotter reports also are crucial in the storm analysis and verification process. ![]() Data available from the radar allows NWS meteorologists to thoroughly dissect and evaluate thunderstorms and their trends, all of which are extremely helpful in the severe weather warning decision process. Besides training, frequent updates to the radar software, such as "super-resolution" and "dual pol" data, permit better detection and dissection of precipitation systems. Forecasters undergo frequent recurring training in order to remain highly proficient and to properly interpret hazardous weather radar signatures. NWS Doppler radar greatly enhances the ability of NWS forecasters to issue short-term forecasts for any weather situation, as well as timely and accurate warnings during severe thunderstorm and other hazardous events. Data from numerous neighboring NWS Doppler radars can be ingested and displayed on AWIPS to assist in assessing more distant precipitation systems, including thunderstorms. The radar system contains various software algorithms as well that produce a number of other radar products and alarms when threshold values of certain parameters are met. Velocity data helps in assessing atmospheric wind fields, as well as severe weather velocity signatures from thunderstorms. From the movement of precipitation and clouds, the radar also can sense motion (i.e., velocity) in the atmosphere directed toward and away from the radar (the Doppler effect). NWS Doppler radar shows the location, intensity, and movement of precipitation, ranging from light snow flurries to very heavy rain and large hail. Data also can be archived which is useful in post-storm analysis studies and other research purposes. ![]() Basically, the RPG is the clearinghouse for NWS Doppler radar information. Knox, KY to create many data fields and products that are viewed on our Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) workstations. ![]() The RPG contains communications, software, and storage devices, which process data received from the RDA (antenna) located at Ft. Key components of the system include the Radar Data Acquisition (RDA) and the Radar Products Generator (RPG). The National Weather Service's (NWS) Weather Surveillance Doppler Radar (WSR-88D) is a highly sensitive, powerful, and invaluable technology. Overview of the NWS Doppler Radar (WSR-88D) System ![]()
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