Weather radar data quality in Europe : quality control and characterisation

COST 717 produced extensive reviews on the use of radar data in hydrological and NWP models, evaluated the use of radar data in hydrological models, demonstrated the value of radar data in NWP model validation and verification, and evaluated and developed techniques for radar data assimilation. Indeed, assimilation of radar winds and precipitation estimates has received notable attention in recent years and will play an important role in the next generation of NWP models. On the other hand, more initiatives are needed in order to enhance the use of both radar and NWP in operational hydrology. Consequently, Action 731, which is focused more on the quality and uncertainty of meteorological observations, along with their impacts on hydro-meteorological outputs from advanced forecast systems. The Action has also stronly contributed to the genesis of an ongoing series of European Conferences on Radar Meteorology, which was one of the main channels for the dissemination of its results.