Aviation weather hazard detection with polarimetric radar

The impact of polarimetric measurements on aircraft operations and severe weather warning should rival the Doppler capability that became available with the installation of the WSR-88D network. New capabilities for the designation of potential icing hazards exist that simply aren't possible with radar reflectivity measurements alone. Existing radar-based algorithms being developed for the aviation community will benefit from an overall improvement in radar data quality. Other expected benefits include enhanced skill in detecting hail, tornadoes (Ryzhkov et al. 2005), some icing conditions, and rain-snow discrimination. The latter ability could help determine when deicing fluids are needed and the type required. A capacity to designate freezing levels and hydrometeor types should lead to improved numerical forecasts. The net effect will be improved safety and situation awareness.