1. POLIDRAD Status Changes have taken longer and more extensive than anticipated. Previous data types have been replaced by new single and dual polarisation types (Types 41 and 42). Format changes have required major changes to existing software. Data collection finally started in April.

2. Thunderstorm, Southern Germany Azimuth 78 o,19:04 08/05/03

3. Thunderstorm, Southern Germany Azimuth 310 o,18:44 08/05/03

4. Thunderstorm, Southern Germany Elevation 1 o,18:54 08/05/03

5. Deliverable 8.2 (T+12) “The principal goal is to provide a climatology of the effects of drop size variation in terms of uncertainty in rainfall estimates at different spatial and temporal scales.” In other words, an attempt at assessment of how the weighting given to radar precipitation estimates might vary according to model input scale. A novel feature is that differential phase measurements to be used as baseline for precipitation estimates, but quality needs to be confirmed. Obviously we are well behind target, but the outlook has improved markedly.

6. Deliverable 2.5 (T+24) “A knowledge of scattering properties employed in conjunction with modified signal handling may serve to improve the frequency and accuracy with which information can be retrieved.” As a consequence of radar upgrade, time series modes are currently disabled and it is unclear when these are likely to be enabled again. Clarification is being sought as this would obviously impact on feasibility of assessing impact of “modified signal handling.” Some adjustment to work envisaged is likely to be required.