Work

Evaluating the Feasibility of Phased Array Radar‐Derived Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Using the NSSL's Advanced Technology Demonstrator

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Weather Surveillance Radar–1988 Dopplers (WSR‐88Ds) are an operational network of S‐band, dual‐polarization radars in the United States. Currently, replacement options are being considered for the next generation of weather radars. One option is dual‐polarization phased array radar (PAR), which employs electronic beam steering to provide faster volumetric updates. The Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) is a research PAR that is being used to evaluate the feasibility of PAR technology. Presumably, the improved temporal resolution of the PARs will lead to more accurate radar‐based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE). However, PARs require more complex calibration, especially for dual‐polarization observations. To test this hypothesis, the ATD and KOUN are used. From radar data over rain gauge locations, rainfall accumulations are calculated and compared to rain gauge observations. We show that, overall, PAR‐based QPE can perform 16.1% better than current WSR‐88Ds, in part due to the <60‐s low‐level sampling rate of the ATD.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl119692

Authors: Emily J. Blumenauer, A. Addison Alford, David J. Bodine, Pierre‐Emmanuel Kirstetter, Robert Clark, Anthony Reinhart

Institutions: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, University of Oklahoma

Language: English

Topic: Precipitation Measurement and Analysis

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration