In the Spring of 2002, several years of effort on the NOAA research WSR-88D radar culminated in the generation and display of dual polarization radar data and products. As part of the Joint Polarization Experiment (JPOLE) operational demonstration, these data and products were delivered in real-time to operational forecasters at the Norman, OK National Weather Service forecast office. Data and products delivered include radar reflectivity, differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, differential phase, specific differential phase, a hydrometeor classification product, and a variety of polarimetric rainfall rate and accumulation estimates. An NSSL observer assisted operational forecasters in the analysis and interpretation of the dual polarization data and products.

In this paper, we provide examples of the polarimetric products, present initial impressions of the utility of the polarimetric upgrade to the WSR-88D radar, and discuss future plans for the JPOLE operational demonstration. Long term goals include the collection of verification data sets sufficient to conduct a thorough analysis of the polarimetric WSR-88D data quality and engineering design.