WSR-88D Precipitation Processing and Its Use in National Weather Service Hydrologic Forecasting

by Robert C. Shedd, Hydrologic Research Lab, Silver Spring, United States,
Richard A. Fulton, Hydrologic Research Lab, Silver Spring, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering Hydrology

Abstract:

The National Weather Service (NWS), along with the Department of Defense and Transportation, have begun deployment of a new national network of weather radars referred to as the WSR-88D. This new radar will have a significant impact on the hydrologic services provided by the NWS. A three stage process has been developed to provide the highest quality of quantitative precipitation estimates on a 4-km grid across the United States. This process, using both automated and interactive techniques, will incorporate precipitation gages and satellite information to minimize the effects of the numerous sources of error possible when processing radar data. In addition to the new data flow, the NWS is restructuring some of their operations, including new hydrometeorologist positions, to support the use of this high resolution precipitation data in the hydrologic forecasting operations of the NWS.

Subject Headings: Radar | Precipitation | Hydrologic models | Forecasting | Hydrology | Hydrologic data | Weather forecasting | United States

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