Rainfall-Type Categorization of Radar Echoes Using Polar Coordinate Reflectivity Data

An algorithm used to classify precipitation echoes by rain type without interpolating radar data to a constant height is detailed. The method uses reflectivity data without clutter along the lowest available scan angle so that the classifications yield a more accurate representation of the rain type observed at the surface. The algorithm is based on that of Steiner et al. but is executed within a polar coordinate system. An additional procedure allows for more small, isolated, and/or weak echo objects to be appropriately identified as convective. Echoes in the immediate vicinity of convective cores are included in a new transition category, which consists mostly of echoes for which a convective or stratiform determination cannot be confidently made. The new algorithm more effectively identifies shallow convection embedded within large stratiform regions, correctly identifies isolated shallow and weak convection as such, and more often appropriately identifies periods during which no stratiform precipitation is present.