Next-generation Rapid-Scan Phased Array Radar Observations on Storm-scale NWP for Hazardous Weather Forecasts

The NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) is actively developing Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) technology, potential next-generation high-resolution weather radar surveillance to replace the current operational WSR-88D radars. One unique feature of MPAR is its rapid and adaptive scanning capability, which is at least 4-5 times faster than the scanning rate of WSR-88D. In 2016, the FAA, DoD, DHS and NOAA also formed a cross-agency effort called the Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance Radar (SENSR) to investigate the possibility to vacate bandwidth for commercial use by consolidating the various federal radar networks into a common system to use less of the spectrum while performing the necessary functions efficiently to meet agency requirements. The potential solution for the SENSR effort leverages well and is coordinated with the ongoing MPAR R&D activities. As part of these efforts, this study seeks to assess the potential impact of the rapid and adaptive next generation SENSR/MPAR capabilities in storm-scale NWP models. Data assimilation and forecast experiments are conducted to assimilate MPAR observations from severe thunderstorm events into the storm-scale models using ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation approach. Results from the analyses and short-term ensemble forecasts are analyzed to quantify the impact of MPAR observations for high impact weather.