Marine X-band weather radar data calibration

Application of weather radar data in urban hydrology is evolving and radar data is now applied for both modelling, analysis, and real time control purposes. In these contexts, it is all-important that the radar data is well calibrated and adjusted in order to obtain valid quantitative precipitation estimates. This paper presents some of the challenges in small marine X-band radar calibration by comparing three calibration procedures for assessing the relationship between radar and rain gauge data. Validation shows similar results for precipitation volumes but more diverse results on peak rain intensities.

Research highlights► Three methods for calibration of small marine X-band weather radar rainfall against rain gauges were proposed. ► Consistent calibration results were shown with regards to long term calibration. ► More scattered results with regards to intensity levels is observed.