Weather Radar Interpretation: What am I looking at? 3.1.09 @ 11:00A ET

After many questions on basic radar "reading" your author has compiled a list of great resources where you can learn more on how to identify severe weather using Weather radar! There are also some basic tips to follow to better help you understand Radar.

Good Tips

Before you get any depth of radar knowledge it is important to note that you must not rely on one source of information. Instead, gather information and supporting data from multiple trusted sources that complement each other.

Second, pay close attention to radar times. Data may be old! Consider the fact that radar has many disadvantages as well as advantages that must be considered while interpreting information. Do not get tunnel vision during severe weather. Always get the big picture "situational awareness" and the local picture "metro situation." If you get to narrow focused, you may lose other important areas or suddenly be surprised!

Advanced Tips

For the meteorologist, you have a more in depth understanding of the atmosphere. That is why it's important to interrogate the surrounding environment not just the individual cell of interest. In addition, study the trend of differential attributes. Compare reports and supporting data to either confirm conditions or false positives. Be ready to act. Don't get tunnel vision during stressful events. Investigate all weak and moderate mesocyclones that are on the threshold. Consider their position relative to reflectivity of base data, base, strength, and trend. Consider using NMD vs. Legacy Meso icon plotting. Some software allows you to switch between the two or off all together.

Depending on your skill level you may have Level II or III data available. Both arguably can be used operationally by nearly any industry. Obviously level II data will be higher resolution, however both are used operationally. Both can identify important features. Level III data has a multitude of products and third-party algorithms. Consider the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages of level II vs. level III data when forecasting.

If you will be using radar operationally you need to have enough knowledge of severe weather and radar fundamentals. Understanding the atmosphere will help you better understand the remote view of radar (alternative atmospheric imaging).

Dispatcher Severe Weather Radar Identification/Net Control Presentation Materials:

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/wcm/Radar_training.ppt Weather Radar training high-resolution slide show presentation, National Weather Service

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/mkx/radar/radarpt2.htm A basic guide to Radar interpretation, National Weather Service.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/soo/cmt_wrkshp99/index.php Radar workshop from Ted Funk and Van DeWald via National Weather Service Louisville, Kentucky.

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