Wind observations with Doppler weather radar

Weather radars are commonly employed for detection and ranging of precipitation, but radars with Doppler capability can also provide detailed information on the wind associated with (severe) weather phenomena. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) operates two identical C-band (5.6~GHz) Doppler weather radars. One radar is located in De Bilt and the other one is located in Den Helder. Two distinctly different pulse repetition frequencies are used to extend the unambiguous velocity interval of the Doppler radars from 13 to 40 m/s (Holleman 2003). In this paper, the retrieval and quality of weather radar wind profiles are discussed. In addition the extraction of temperature advection from these profiles is presented. Finally the detection of severe weather phenomena and monitoring of bird migration for aviation are highlighted.