The Use of Doppler Radar Observations at NCEP

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) has developed the capability of real-time accessing and processing radar data with dual-pol variables. Radar data quality control is enhanced by utilizing dual-pol variables to distinguish between meteorological echoes and non-meteorological echoes. The data quality of radar reflectivity and radial wind are improved by more accurately removing non-meteorological echoes.

After quality control, the radial winds are directly analyzed by NCEP's grid-point statistic interpolation (GSI) analysis. The cloud analysis package developed by the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory's Global Systems Division is modified and used to analyze reflectivity with NCEP's regional forecast model background. The radar radial winds together with reflectivity are assimilated every three hours in an experimental NDAS parallel. The parallel test from Feb, 23 2013 to July, 1 2013 shows improvements in the model precipitation skill versus the control run. These upgrades were implemented in operation as of the summer of 2014. Details will be provided on conference.