KMHX NEXRAD IMPACTS: U.S. Atlantic Coast Snowstorm Radar Data

31 NEXRAD radar sites collected Level II surveillance data from January 1 to March 1, 2020, during the IMPACTS field campaign focused on U.S. Atlantic Coast snowstorms. The dataset contains meteorological and dual-polarization base data quantities, including radar reflectivity, radial velocity, and differential reflectivity. This data supports research into snowband formation, microphysics, and the improvement of snowfall remote sensing and prediction models.

Use Cases

• Analyzing snowband formation and evolution mechanisms based on radar reflectivity and velocity data.
• Examining snow particle microphysical characteristics using dual-polarization variables like differential reflectivity.
• Improving snowfall remote sensing interpretation and numerical weather prediction models.
• Studying the spatial organization of precipitation across 31 radar sites along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, three-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) with specific scientific objectives.
• Contains detailed dual-polarization radar variables from 31 operational NEXRAD sites, providing broad spatial coverage.
• Files are provided in the structured, self-describing netCDF-4 format, which is standard for scientific data.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided across any platform.
• There is a conflict in the 'last updated' date between sources (2026 vs. 2020), casting doubt on data maintenance.
• The 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 31 operational sites.

Time Range

January 1, 2020 to March 1, 2020

Freshness

2026-04-10 01:51:39.713643

Geography

United States Atlantic Coast, coverage from 31 NEXRAD sites