After Dual Pol – What’s Next for the WSR-88D? Jessica Schultz, NWS Radar Focal Point Marty Williams, Steven D. Smith, Joe Chrisman, and Dan Frashier Radar Operations Center

NEXRAD Program Majority deployed in early-mid 90s Original life expectancy Dual pol last major upgrade Focus on tuning data, algorithms Improve calibration process Keep system viable through at least 2030

NEXRAD SLEP: 2015-2022 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) 4 independent projects Signal Processor Transmitter Pedestal Equipment Shelters

MESO-SAILS Follow-on to SAILS (deployed 2014) Currently field testing Deployment nationwide Spring/Summer 2016 Up to 3 additional 0.5° cuts VCP 12 or 212 With AVSET, 0.5° cuts every 75 seconds Improves lead time for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes

VCP Changes Currently 9 VCPs User community supports common angles Field: Reduce number of VCPs Less frequently used: 11, 211, 221 Less vertical coverage: 21, 221 User community supports common angles VCP 12, 212 as model Replace 11, 211, 21, 221 with new VCP 215 Introduce new clear-air VCP 35 Deployment Build 18 (Spring 2017)

VCP 215 General Surveillance Same elevations as VCP 12/212 below 10° Same vertical coverage as VCP 11/211 above 10° Same data quality as VCP 21 Duration: ~6 mins AVSET & 1 SAILS cut

VCP 35 Clear-Air More angles than 31/32 Based on low-level elevations of VCP 12/212 Duration: ~7 mins May eventually replace VCP 32 1 SAILS cut

VCP Sequencing Pattern of volumes More frequently sample specific elevations Short volume scan (0.5°-2.4°) between two full volume scans Early testing to support QLCS interrogation Possible field test Summer 2017

NWS Internal Changes Redesign HCI AWIPS control to change VCP, invoke AVSET/SAILS

Radar Beyond 2030 Several options to consider Maintain WSR-88D MPAR Other alternatives?

Jessica Schultz Jessica.A.Schultz@noaa.gov Thanks! Jessica Schultz Jessica.A.Schultz@noaa.gov