NSSL NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory

Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE)

The Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE) is a key part of the Multi-function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) program whose purpose is to develop and test weather applications of a rapid-scan phased array radar (PAR) located at the National Weather Radar Testbed in Norman, Oklahoma. Data collected from this radar has allowed scientists to compare the depiction of storm evolution with rapid-scan data (taken once per minute) to conventional WSR-88D data (taken every 5 minutes). These comparisons are improving scientific understanding of severe storms.

To explore the potential benefits of rapid-scan data to National Weather Service operations, we have tested the effects of update time on NWS forecasters’ warning decision processes and the resulting warning lead times in simulated real time. These comparisons have demonstrated advantages that the rapid-scanning PAR has over the WSR-88D—advantages that will translate into improved service to society.