In the Autumn of 2005, WHNT TV became the first TV station in the world to use a Dual Polarimetric radar. Eventually, all of the NOAA Nexrad radars will have this capability.

After 14 months, we have learned a great deal about using the data, and more importantly, the challenge of explaining it to viewers.

We use the radar as a partnership with the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Both UAH and WHNT have complete control of the radar. They use it for research and we use it on air.

Using identification algorithims we have found that large hail can be identified with high precision. Explaining how it works and using the raw data on air is not as easy. In fact, the use of the raw dual polr. data will likely never be an option.

Without the expertise of Dr. Walt Petersen at UAH, this project would have been almost impossible.