First look at forecasters experiences with high-temporal resolution Phased Array Radar data: An evaluation research study

The Phased Array Radar (PAR) is a research radar that is under consideration to replace the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). As a new technology it is important to provide user insight into the development stage to ensure intended users have the most usable tool upon deployment and not only understand the operational utility of PAR. Results from experiments held in 2008 and 2009 have already assisted researchers developing PAR. The participants of these experiments evaluated real-time and archived cases; after each evaluation questionnaires were completed. The responses to two archived cases were analyzed in this paper using a data-driven method. The results show how high-temporal resolution data of PAR impacted the participating forecasters in a simulated warning environment. Suggestions are made to improve future research and development.