The Role of Weather Radar in Rainfall Estimation and Its Application in Meteorological and Hydrological Modelling—A Review

Abstract

Radar-based rainfall information has been widely used in hydrological and meteorological applications, as it provides data with a high spatial and temporal resolution that improve rainfall representation. However, the broad diversity of studies makes it difficult to gather a condensed overview of the usefulness and limitations of radar technology and its application in particular situations. In this paper, a comprehensive review through a categorization of radar-related topics aims to provide a general picture of the current state of radar research. First, the importance and impact of the high temporal resolution of weather radar is discussed, followed by the description of quantitative precipitation estimation strategies. Afterwards, the use of radar data in rainfall nowcasting as well as its role in preparation of initial conditions for numerical weather predictions by assimilation is reviewed. Furthermore, the value of radar data in rainfall-runoff models with a focus on flash flood forecasting is documented. Finally, based on this review, conclusions of the most relevant challenges that need to be addressed and recommendations for further research are presented. This review paper supports the exploitation of radar data in its full capacity by providing key insights regarding the possibilities of including radar data in hydrological and meteorological applications.

The Use of Weather Radar Data: Possibilities, Challenges and Advanced Applications

“…C-band radar is medium-range (4-8 cm) and measures up to 200 km, and finally, the X-band radar is the smallest wavelength (2.5-4 cm). These waves are well-suited for measuring up to a range of 50 km [8]. Further, L-band radar (15-30 cm), with a frequency of 1-2 GHz, is used for clear air turbulence studies, and K-band radar (0.75-1.2 or 1.7-2.5 cm), with a frequency of 27-40 and 12-18 GHz, is similar to the X-band, but more sensitive when compared to them.…”

GPM Annual and Daily Precipitation Data for Real-Time Short-Term Nowcasting: A Pilot Study for a Way Forward in Data Assimilation

“…Several studies have assessed the quality of the rainfall products of GPM missions when estimating global precipitation and the performance of precipitation nowcasting. At present, point measurements using a rain gauge and disdrometer [21,22], ground-based weather radar [23] and satellite-based sensors [24] are the most widely used techniques to measure and estimate precipitation. In most regions, tipping bucket rain gauges are frequently utilized to measure precipitation.…”

“…Thus, depending on the intensity of rainfall measured, the tipping bucket rain gauges perform a temporal integration over a more or less long period. By contrast, ground weather radars have a large volume sample but present an indirect observation [23]. In terms of radar observations (also known as a remote sensing instrument), the reflectivity of precipitation at a given altitude is measured to estimate precipitation.…”

Assessment on IMERG V06 Precipitation Products Using Rain Gauge Data in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China

“…Accuracy of these input data is particularly important. Precipitation data are usually collected using ground-level rainfall gauges, radar [8], or satellite sensors.…”