Utilizing a Supplemental High-Resolution Weather Radar Network for Improved Quantitative Precipitation Estimates in the United States

Several in-situ and remotely sensed objects exist to accurately estimate precipitation that reaches the surface, providing critical information and input to hydrologic models. Terrestrial-based sensors, such as precipitation gauges, provide direct at-the-surface information, but are prone to many errors. Furthermore, since these are point-based measurements of precipitation, large distances between gauges can provide an inaccurate representation of fine-scaled precipitation initiation, propagation, and dissipation. While weather satellites provide an extensive cover of precipitation, the coarse resolution, both temporal and spatial, tends to be inadequate for many meteorological and hydrological applications. Weather radars, such as the Next Generation Radars (NEXRADs) and Terminal Doppler Weather Radars (TDWRs) provide improved spatiotemporal resolution of precipitation compared to gauges or satellites, but are prone to uncertainty, especially in regions of complex terrain where the radar beam may be blocked, or locations far from the radar where low-level information may be missed. Climavision is building out a supplementary high-resolution weather radar network throughout the United States to provide ample low-level coverage to help improve quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE). A brief overview of the radar fleet will be presented, along with QPE case studies and comparisons with other traditional precipitation data sets.