KGRR NEXRAD IMPACTS: NEXRAD Level II Radar Data for Snowstorm Research

Thirty-one NEXRAD sites across the United States collected Level II radar data from January 1 to March 1, 2020, as part of the IMPACTS field campaign. This dataset contains dual-polarization base data quantities, including radar reflectivity, radial velocity, and differential phase, focused on studying Atlantic Coast snowstorms. The data is intended to improve understanding of snowband formation, microphysics, and remote sensing for winter weather prediction.

Use Cases

• Analyzing snowband formation and evolution based on radar reflectivity and velocity data.
• Studying snow particle microphysics and growth mechanisms using dual-polarization variables like differential reflectivity.
• Improving snowfall remote sensing algorithms and numerical weather prediction models.
• Conducting spatiotemporal analysis of winter storm structure across the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, three-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) with specific scientific objectives.
• Provides high-resolution, dual-polarization meteorological data from 31 operational NEXRAD radar sites.
• Files are available in the structured, self-describing netCDF-4 format.

Limitations

• Column names and dataset size/row counts are not provided in any source, limiting precise technical assessment.
• Sources conflict on the 'last updated' date (2026 vs. 2020), creating uncertainty about data currency.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without explicit terms.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected via Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Level II surveillance systems at operational sites.

Time Range

January 1 to March 1, 2020

Freshness

2026-04-10 01:51:57.938920

Geography

United States Atlantic Coast, from 31 NEXRAD sites