The Hellenic Weather Radar Network—Upgrades, Description and Future Plans

Greece recently completed the upgrade and improvement of its weather radar network. The Hellenic weather radar network includes four recently upgraded weather radars and three new weather radar systems. The upgraded weather radars were analog manually-operated weather radars: 2 S-Band radars in Larissa and Thessalonica, and 2 C-Band radars in Andravida and Athens with magnetron transmitters. The upgrade of these four radars includes their Dopplerization, a new digital receiver (RVP8) and fully automated remote operation capability. Three new C-Band Doppler weather radars with klystron transmitters were installed in new locations (Preveza, Kavala, and Astypalaia (island)) to complete the coverage of the Greek territory. Data archive, quality control, generation of weather products and data dissemination to various agencies and users will be conducted at two central locations in Athens and Larissa. Currently, the network and its radar nodes are in the testing phase and soon it will be fully operational. A detail description of the upgraded weather radar network, its radar and network specifications and area of coverage are presented here. Scanning strategies and future weather products are also discussed along with challenging issues and problems that arise from the complex topography of continental Greece and the need to provide quality measurements over the numerous and highly populated Greek islands that are vacation destination for millions of tourists every year.