05/08/2012

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Press Information Bureau Government of India Ministry of Earth Science

12-January-2012 18:51 IST

C-Band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) Backgrounder The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is a proven device for regular weather surveillance. In addition to the capability of normal radars in seeing echoes from distant cloud formations the recently installed C Band Radar determines winds also from the Doppler shift. These Radars can be used for Nowcasting for a period up to 0-3 hours. The additional information on winds makes its data usable in NWP for improving short range prediction (1-2 days). The IMD is currently utilizing the S-Band DWR data collected every 10-15 minutes (time taken to complete scan of the sky) for Nowcasting weather over the Delhi region. The product is used for aviation. It is also useful in real time warning of approaching severe storms likely to move over precisely spelt out areas. Citizens of all Metro cities would find this information particularly useful. For this a regular system is planned to be set up. The public awareness of the product has to be stepped up. A beginning has been made with the city of Delhi. While the S-Band radar remains dedicated to air field applications the second one now installed over the Mausam Bhavan would be devoted to storm warnings over Delhi. Further, because of its additional polarimetric capability it would give a better estimation of rain and hail. This C-Band polarimetric Radar is a relatively new technology in commercially available Radars and holds great promise in applications as mentioned above. It is but a foregone conclusion that all preparations down the line including dissemination mechanisms, public awareness, FM Radio and TV operators participation etc would be required to make this service effective and meaningful. KP

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