Meteorological Benefits and Operational Applications of S-Band, Rapid-Scanning, Dual-Polarization Radar for Hail-Producing Storms

Abstract Most operational radar systems to date produce data with volumetric update times that are insufficient for capturing some of the rapidly evolving processes of hailstorms. Recent advances in rapid scan radar technology and innovative approaches to obtain faster scans have paved the way for a better analysis of hailstorms. This study utilizes the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)’s research Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) S-band radar, KOUN, located in Norman, Oklahoma, to examine rapidly evolving polarimetric features in hailstorms. Quantities such as rate of hail descent and changes in the updraft can be calculated through the analysis of these rapidly evolving polarimetric features, which can increase forecaster confidence in hailstorm evolution and hail sizing. Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system products were generated using KOUN data, which captured the full life cycle of a hailstorm, including the cyclic evolution of hail production and its relation to tornado production. These data were compared to KTLX, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to explore what features would not be resolved without a rapid-scanning radar system. Rapid-scanning radar observations provided more details on storm-scale processes related to hail, which can aid in operational forecasting and give insight into future operational phased array radar benefits.