NWS Lincoln upgrading Doppler radar in October

[September 11, 2012]  The National Weather Service is improving its Doppler radar serving central and southeast Illinois by installing the latest dual polarization technology. This technology will give forecasters better information about heavy rainfall in flooding events, hail detection in thunderstorms, and even recognize whether precipitation is in the form of rain, snow or ice.

Installation will begin Oct. 1 and will last approximately 10 to 12 days. During the upgrade, adjacent National Weather Service, Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration weather radars will provide coverage in the event of precipitation or severe weather in central and southeast Illinois. The National Weather Service office in Lincoln will remain open and will continue to issue forecasts and warnings during the upgrade.

"This radar upgrade will help us provide better forecasts and warnings of flash floods and winter precipitation for the residents of central and southeast Illinois," said Ernest Goetsch, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service office in Lincoln.

Currently, National Weather Service Doppler radars provide forecasters information on precipitation intensity and movement (direction and speed). Dual polarization technology adds new information about the size and shape of airborne objects, which will improve estimates of how much rain is falling, improving flash flood detection and warnings. During winter weather, dual polarization radar can better infer the difference between rain, snow and ice, which gives forecasters a much better idea of what type of precipitation to expect at the ground.

"This is the most significant upgrade to the nation's weather radar network since Doppler radar was first installed in the early 1990s and is a significant step toward us becoming weather-ready," said Laura Furgione, acting director of the National Weather Service. "Dual polarization technology provides significantly more information and clearer pictures of current weather conditions, helping National Weather Service meteorologists provide more accurate and timely forecasts."

Installation of dual polarization technology in all 122 National Weather Service radars is expected to be completed in 2013. Thirty-eight other operational Doppler radar systems, owned by the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration, will also be enhanced.

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Working with partners, the National Weather Service is building a weather-ready nation to support community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. For more information, visit the NWS online at www.weather.gov and on Facebook.

[Text from NOAA news release received from  National Weather Service, Lincoln office]