KIWX NEXRAD IMPACTS: Winter Snowstorm Radar Observations

The KIWX NEXRAD IMPACTS dataset from NASA contains Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Level II surveillance data collected at 31 sites from January 1 to March 1, 2020, as part of the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS) field campaign. It provides meteorological and dual-polarization base data quantities, including radar reflectivity, radial velocity, and differential reflectivity, to study snowband formation and microphysics. The dataset is available in netCDF-4 format and is part of a planned three-year sequence of winter deployments.

Use Cases

• Analyzing snowband formation and evolution mechanisms based on time-series radar observations.
• Studying snow particle microphysics and growth mechanisms using dual-polarization data quantities.
• Improving snowfall remote sensing interpretation and numerical weather prediction models.
• Conducting spatiotemporal analysis of winter storm events along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Strengths

• Contains data from 31 specific NEXRAD radar sites, providing broad spatial coverage for the study region.
• Includes six specific dual-polarization and base data quantities (e.g., radar reflectivity, differential phase) for detailed meteorological analysis.
• Covers a defined two-month intensive observation period (Jan 1 - Mar 1, 2020) during the winter storm season.
• Part of a multi-year, structured scientific campaign (IMPACTS) with planned updates, indicating ongoing relevance.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and a complete column schema are not provided across any source, limiting precise technical assessment.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates (2020-03-01 vs. 2026-04-10) create uncertainty about the most recent version's availability.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without explicit terms, requiring further investigation for use.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected via Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) / NEXRAD sites during the IMPACTS field campaign.

Time Range

January 1, 2020 to March 1, 2020

Freshness

2026-04-10 01:51:39.707929

Geography

Data collected from 31 NEXRAD sites, with a focus on snowstorms over the U.S. Atlantic Coast.