Site log - Melbourne (July 1998) Flags: 1-Satellite coincidence data 2-Scan in TSDIS data 3-Scan not in TSDIS data A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage) B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very litte coverage) *************************************************************************************************** 01 Jul 98: Convective cluster to NNW and large patch of stratiform to the W until 03Z, then both areas of precip die off. Obvious echoes associated w/ wildfires to N after 15Z. Also some scattered convective cells after ~16Z. Data processed: 0002-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1439Z(649 km), 1615Z(304 km), 1929Z(622 km), 2105Z(75 km) QC notes: 0002-0012Z: Radial spike to NE. 3B+ !!FLAG!! ----> Spike remnants difficult to remove in 0002 and 0007Z VOS's. Further increasing params removes more precip than it's worth. Using 0017Z in 1C.HDF instead of 0002-0012Z. 0017-0312Z: Perhaps some spurious echo to N due to wildfires mixed in w/ legitimate precipitation. ----> Corrected, except for following flags: 3A- !!FLAG!! 0042Z: Radial spike to W behind/near stratiform precip. 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! 0152-0232Z: Some intense specks embedded in light precip, possibly due to wildfire remnants? 1010-1356Z: Assorted AP problems. ----> Corrected. 1435-1534Z: Smoke from wildfires to N. ----> Corrected. 1539-2044Z: Smoke from wildfires & scattered precip. ----> Some VOSs corrected, some not...see flags below. The main problem here is that the smoke plumes develop vertically and are difficult to remove w/o wiping out all the precip. If the precip was all light, this period would be almost impossible to improve upon. 1A !!FLAG!! ----> 1624-1639Z: Moderate/intense wilfire echo. 1A, 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 1649-1859Z: Moderate/intense wilfire echo. 1A flag pertains only to 1859Z. 2049-2359Z: Smoke from wildfires...some precip outside 150 km. ----> Corrected. Note: Including 0017Z in 1C.HDF instead of 0002-0012Z. *************************************************************************************************** 02 Jul 98: Scattered, light echoes through 09Z. Scattered convection after data gap from 2028Z through end of the day. Also some smoke plumes from fires from 2028Z onwards. Clutter filter applied between 0305-0310Z? Data processed: 0004-1225 Z 2028-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1503Z(56 km), 1639Z(631 km), 1953Z(290 km), 2129Z(671 km) QC notes: 0004-0024Z: Light to moderate wildfire echoes to N. Also a spike to NW at 0009 and 0014Z in second tilt. ----> Corrected. 0110Z: AP speck to N w/ light precip. ----> Corrected. 0125-0230Z: AP specks to N and NW w/ light precip. ----> Corrected. 0245Z: AP speck to N w/ light precip nearby. ----> Corrected. 0330-0355Z: Light radial spike remnants w/ light precip. ----> Corrected. A few very minor, light specks may remain. 0400-0410Z: Light radial spike remnants w/ light precip. A few intense AP specks to SE, but appear to be outside 150 km. ----> Corrected. 0513-0523Z: AP specks to SW w/ light precip nearby. ----> Corrected. 0543-0820Z: AP specks and a few light radial specks scattered in S half. Light precip still evident during this period. ----> Much better in some VOSs than the first pass, but the following VOSs are still flagged due to AP speck contamination: 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0622Z: AP specks possibly w/in 150 km. 2A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0701Z: AP specks possibly w/in 150 km. 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0711Z: AP specks w/in 150 km. 2A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0800Z: AP specks w/in 150 km. 2A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0820Z: AP specks w/in 150 km. 0909-1225Z: Scattered specks and patches of light to intense AP...no precip in lowest tilt. ----> Corrected. 2028-2356Z: Moderate intensity wildfire contamination to N, plus periods of moderate to intense AP. Flags follow: 2B+, 3B+ !!FLAG!! ----> 2028-2051Z: Intense fire echo at 2028Z outside 150 km ...otherwise a few light to moderate fire echoes to N that can't be removed w/o affecting precip. 1A !!FLAG!! ----> 2056-2126Z: Intense AP to S embedded w/in precip. Also an intense AP spike to SE can't be removed. A few fire echoes, too. 1B+ !!FLAG!! ----> 2131-2141Z: AP subsides, but still some fire. 1A !!FLAG!! ----> 2146-2151Z: AP to SE & some fire remnants. 1B, 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! ----> 2156-2356Z: Some light to moderate echoes related to fire to N. A few intense echoes to NNW are outside 150 km. Kept as a minor flag since it appears that there are a few precip cells w/in the smoke plume to N. *************************************************************************************************** 03 Jul 98: Region of dissipating convection slides off slowly to SE and dies off by 03Z. Some fire echoes during this time, too, as well as after 15Z . Scattered convection pops up after 18Z, often w/in the fire plumes, and persists for the rest of the day. Wildfire remnants are *very* obvious and make qc a treacherous task. Data processed: 0001-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1350Z(501 km), 1527Z(395 km), 1840Z(561 km), 2017Z(201 km) QC notes: 0001-0317Z: AP, sometimes intense, + wildfire remnants combined w/ scattered precip. The AP is embedded in precip to the S at times. ----> Improvements made, but still problems...see flags below. 2B+ !!FLAG!! ----> 0001Z: Possible fire remnants to N at fairly close range. Fire signature to extreme NW is outside 150 km. 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 0006-0257Z: A few fire remants. Intense AP near and embedded w/in precip to SSE. Specks not very widespread near end of this period, but still very noticeable and intense. 0322-1723Z: AP w/o precip. Also a lot of wildfire contamination after ~13Z. ----> Corrected. 1733-2301Z: Echoes from wildfires. Also some intense AP embedded in precip from 2011-2031Z just S of radar. ----> Very difficult combination of events during this period. Sometimes hard to distinguish smoke/fire echoes from real precip, e.g. after 22Z to the NW when a heavy cell overtakes the point source that had been previously ejecting obvious fire debris. Also, not all of the precip is heavy convection, so the params can't be increased w/o disregard. When experimenting w/ the params near 21Z, H1 and H2 were increased to over 6 km, yet the heavy fire remnants to NW were still intact and only the heavy precip cores remained. Was able to tease out some of the AP and fire echo to improve this period, but some major problems still exist. With that in mind, the following flags apply to this period: 1A, 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 1733-1822Z: Lots of wildfire signature remaining. A few scattered precip cells pop up, but they are outnumbered by non-precip fire echoes. 1B+, 2B+,3B+ !!FLAG!! ----> 1832-1942Z: Legitimate echoes gain in coverage. QC is decent, as cores of precip are preserved. Some residual false echo surrounds many of these cores, though, thus flagged as a problem. 1A !!FLAG!! ----> 2011-2031Z: Intense AP to S embedded in precip. Also some intense echoes from fire to NW that appear to be w/in 150 km. 1A, 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 2036-2256Z: AP subsides, but wildfire remnants contaminate CZ product substantially. The situation gets better near the end of this period, but still an obvious problem. 2301-2356Z: Possible wildfire contamination + AP to SE over ocean. 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! ----> Corrected the AP, but still may be some leftover fire echo in precip region that moves over the fires to NW. Flagged for this uncertainty. *************************************************************************************************** 04 Jul 98: Dissipating convective remains move to the SE and are negligible in intensity by about 04Z. A few scattered showers develop between 04-14Z. More widespread scattered convection develops over land after 16Z and persists through the end of the day. A decent convective cluster forms to NW late in the day. Data processed: 0001-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1414Z(60 km), 1551Z(681 km), 1728Z(728 km), 1905Z(191 km) QC notes: 0001-0106Z: AP specks to SE. ----> Corrected. 0116Z: Intense AP speck to N and light AP specks to E. ----> Corrected. 0221-0301Z: Light to intense AP specks to SE. ----> Corrected, except for flags below: 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 0241-0246Z: Intense AP speck difficult to remove w/o creating major holes in precip. 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 0301Z: Intense AP speck difficult to remove w/o creating major holes in precip. Including 0306Z in 1C.HDF instead. 0311-0429Z: Intense AP specks to SSE and SSW. 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> Intense AP speck difficult to remove w/o creating major holes in precip. 0434-0459Z: Intense AP specks. ----> Corrected. The precip w/in 150 km has dissipated (or is very light and negligible amidst the clutter), thus everything is eliminated. 0504-0559Z: More intense AP. 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! ----> Corrected the AP by removing everything. The precip to the extreme NW is safely outside 150 km, but a few light, small, scattered showers form to S and SW. Considered these features negligible, thus eliminated everything. Flagged as minor because of the light showers missing (thought it was a better situation, though, than leaving all of the intense AP). 0604-0829Z: Intense AP specks + small convective cells. 2A,3A,2B,3B !!FLAG!! ----> Improvements made, but AP is too intense to remove while trying to keep in the small cells that form during this time. AP not very widespread, but since precip is so scattered, it's very noticeable. Also some holes created in light precip on the fringes, but this precip is located outside 150 km. A few VOSs after 08Z aren't as bad, thus the 2B and 3B flags. 0953Z: AP specks to SE. ----> Corrected. 1905-2028Z: Suspect echo to NW near 150 km. ----> Corrected, but still not certain about this echo. It just 'feels different'. Lots of precip nearby, but the echo in question is reminiscent of the wildfire echoes from previous days. The QC algorithm does some partial qc'ing of this cell which makes it even more suspect since most of the surrounding precip is unscathed. Very little vertical structure. Therefore, removed. The following VOSs have some remnants left, though. 1B !!FLAG!! ----> 1935Z: Small piece of strange echo left. 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 2020Z: Larger chunk of strange echo remaining, plus some clutter near radar picked up. Weird scenario that required H1 and H2 and Z2 to be decreased substantially, otherwise large holes in precip formed. These holes were evident w/ defaults, too. 2103-2128Z: Embedded AP in light precip to SE at close range. 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> Can't remove AP since it's embedded. NOTE: Including 0306Z in 1C.HDF instead of 0301Z. *************************************************************************************************** 05 Jul 98: A large cluster of showers and convection lingers and slowly dissipates over land throughout the early part of the day (evening LST). Isolated convection develops at far range W of the radar from 8-10Z. Scattered convection again develops W of radar near 13Z. This activity increases in coverage and intensity throughout the daytime heating hours and continues through the end of the day. Data Processed: 0004-2356Z Satellite Coincidence: 1302Z(363 km), 1438Z(474 km), 1752Z(492 km), 1928Z(330 km) QC notes: Default QC parameters performed well on this day. 0009-0014Z: Weak solar interference spike (sunset) in second tilt image. ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range 0235-0250Z: Light/moderate AP along the coastline SSE of the radar. This may prove difficult to remove due to precip at same range W of radar. ----> Corrected - AP removed from most VOSs 0235Z - AP is beyond 150 km range and could not be removed. 0305Z: Light patch of AP along coastline SSE of radar. ----> Corrected 1037Z: Weak solar interference spike (sunrise) in second tilt image. ----> Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range *************************************************************************************************** 06 Jul 98: Dissipating convection present east of the radar, early on, but is completely gone by 05Z. By 15Z, convection again begins firing over Florida and by 17Z, the cells really start popping up all over the penisula. After the data gap, an impressive squall line with a well-developed stratiform region is present over Florida. This heavy rain lasts right through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-1937 Z 2322-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1325Z(166km), 1502Z(720 km), 1639Z(691 km), 1816Z( 88 km) QC notes: 0046-0051Z: intense AP splotch remaining SE of radar -----> corrected 0326Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NW of radar (no precip) -----> corrected 0416Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NE of radar (no precip) -----> corrected 0910-1038Z: chaff echo remaining N of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 2322-2327Z: moderate/intense AP remaining WNW of radar; some of AP is embedded within precip 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> vastly improved in that all stand-alone AP has been removed. The VOS's are not completely clean because 2-3 splotches of moderate AP still remain embedded within the stratiform shield west of the radar....hence the B+ flag. * AP RANGE: embedded AP within 100 km 2322-2355Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2327Z: precip-eating mode (~50 km precip hole) -----> corrected *************************************************************************************************** 07 Jul 98: Early on, leading-line, trailing stratiform squall line system continues to track out over the Atlantic. By 0130Z, the squall line is no longer discernible but instead, several large, intense clusters of convection now occupy most of the scope east of KMLB, along with an appreciable stratiform region. By 04Z, much of the convection has dissipated and by 08Z all stratiform precip is gone as well. The lull in activity is short-lived as new convection begins to rapidly regenerate by 1530Z. Several cell mergers lead to 3-4 distinct, intense convective clusters which also put down areas of stratiform precipitation. The heavy rain tracks from east to west and last through the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1213Z(235 km), 1349Z(543 km), 1703Z(418 km), 1839Z(463 km) QC notes: 0000-0320Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0005-0035Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining N and NW of radar -----> corrected 0145-0210Z: intense AP specks and splotches remaining NW of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP without removing light to moderate precip as well. Therefore, the AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: AP splotches ~90 km from radar 0225-0305Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining W of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP without removing light to moderate precip as well. Therefore, the AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: AP splotches ~90 km from radar 0700-0750Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining S of radar; often embedded in light precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> AP specks embedded in light precip which means the false echo could not be removed without everything, including precip, was removed as well. So, the Ap remains and the VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: embedded AP ~100 km from radar 0820-0825Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip within 150 km of the radar) -----> corrected 0840-0850Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 0925Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SSE of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 1000-1020Z: moderate radial spike remnants remaining N of radar (no precip) -----> corrected 1040Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SE of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 1120Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SE of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 1810-1825Z: weak/moderate/intense radial spike remnants NE of radar -----> corrected. Any AP which remains has been confirmed to be beyond 150 km (with 2A-54 convective/stratiform image) and therefore of no concern to us. 1855-1905Z: weak/moderate radial spike remnants NE of radar -----> corrected. The AP remaining in VOS 1905Z is confirmed to be beyond 150 km and therefore, of no concern. 1956-2056Z: moderate to horrifically intense AP remaining W of radar; often embedded in precip 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved in that most stand-alone AP was removed but unfortunately, this is the minority of AP present during this time period. All AP embedded within precip remains...and the VOS's receive major flags. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~80-110 km from radar 2026-2356Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2111-2121Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP without removing precip as well. SO, AP remains and the VOS's are flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: AP splotches located beyond 100 km ***************************************************************************************************** 08 Jul 98: Shrinking shield of stratiform rain present early on, as afternoon convection continues to wind down. By 03Z, all precip has either dissipated or moved out of range. Scattered, unorganized convective cells begin to fire over Florida by 12Z. Cells become more numerous by 17Z and eventually merge to form several more intense clusters. Convection moves out over the Atlantic and begins winding down by the end of the day. Data processed: 0004-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1100Z(710 km), 1237Z(266 km), 1414Z(749 km), 1550Z(645 km), 1727Z(26 km) QC notes: 0004-0119Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1214Z: weak AP splotch remaining SSW of radar -----> corrected 2018-2357Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2208-2233Z: intense AP NNW (often embedded in precip) and intense AP splotches remaining NW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but the intense AP embedded in precip remains and the VOS's in this time period receive major flags. VOS 2233Z is moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km 2308-2313Z: intense AP splotch remaining WNW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> could not removed AP splotches without removing light precip as well...AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: AP splotches located ~90 km from radar ***************************************************************************************************** 09 Jul 98: Convective cluster over the Atlanitc early on dissipates and moves out of range by 03Z. Widely scattered convection present over the rest of the day, with more coverage closer to day's end. Data processed: 0002-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1124Z(105 km), 1301Z(609 km), 1615Z(328 km), 1751Z(612 km) QC notes: 0002-0137Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP specks and splotches in the vicinity of KMLB radar 2B+,3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but some VOS's still contain some specks of AP...hence the B+ flags. * AP RANGE: most specks located NW of radar at ~95 km from radar 1744-1905Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ***************************************************************************************************** 10 Jul 98: Early on, two weakening convective cells are present SE of the radar and precipitation associated with them is over by 04Z. Only widely scattered convection until a significant MCS system begins moving into range from the NW by 12Z. This large complex of showers and convective cells tracks SE across the scope until by 20Z, only very weak showers are visible in its wake. Data processed: 0004-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1012Z(558 km), 1149Z(361 km), 0248Z(587 km), 1639Z(151 km) QC notes: 1512-1920Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2005Z: moderate Ap splotch remaining just N of KMLB radar -----> corrected ***************************************************************************************************** 11 Jul 98: Widely scattered, off-and-on showers and convective cells for the first half of the day. By 13Z, a less transient conglomeration of convective activity begins moving into range from the west and southwest. By 19Z, several clusters of stronger convection get organized over Florida (mainly in the vicinity of the radar). These clusters reach their maximum intensity between 2130-2330Z, as locally heavy rain persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1036Z(16 km), 1213Z(663 km), 1350Z(740 km), 1526Z(231 km) QC notes: 0136-0251Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining W of radar (no precip present within 150 km) -----> corrected 1906-2052Z: 10 km hole of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2027-2052Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotch remaining NW to W of radar 3A,3B !!FLAG!! -----> vastly improved in that almost all moderate to intense AP was removed. A couple VOS's still contain an occassional speck or splotch of weak to moderate AP...hence the 3A, 3B flags. It is believed that some splotches still exist because they are embedded in light showers. * AP RANGE: embedded AP within 100 km 2107-2122Z: intense AP splotch remaining N of radar 3A- !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but VOS's 2112 and 2122Z still contain a partial splotch of moderate to intense AP. Increased vertical depth of AP in these two VOS's allows false echo to survive. Any more aggressive attempts to remove AP removes precip as well. So, AP remains and is flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: AP located within 100 km 2352-2357Z: 10 km hole of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ***************************************************************************************************** 12 Jul 98: Early on, rapidly decaying convection present west of KMLB. All precip from these dying cells is finished by 04Z. Scattered convection well out over the Atlantic as well as soem showers at extreme northern ranges the only show in town until ~17Z, when strong cells begin firing over Florida. Rapid intensification and increased coverage of convection by 18Z and by 19Z, a full-fledged heavy rain event is occurring. Copious rainfall amounts and heavy convection persist right through day's end. Data processed: 0002-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0924Z(416 km), 1100Z(445 km), 1414Z(520 km), 1550Z(280 km) QC notes: 0157-0202Z: horrifically intense AP remaining W to NW of the radar; mostly embedded in precipitation 3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved in that all stand-alone AP was removed. Unfortunately, a considerable bit of intense AP remains embedded in precip, of which nothing can be done to remove it without removing precip as well...hence the major flag. VOS 0202Z was moved to the bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located 90-120 km from radar 0217-0332Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining W of radar; often embedded in precipitation 2A !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP without removing light precip as well. Therefore, AP remains and VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: embedded and stand-alone AP located ~95-100 km from KMLB radar. 0529-0534Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining NNW of radar -----> corrected 1034-1134Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1831-1856Z: intense AP speck remaining just N of radar -----> corrected 1924-2004Z: intense AP splotch remaining just N of radar -----> corrected 2034Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 2102-2357Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected ****************************************************************************************************** 13 Jul 98: Widespread convection with large stratiform rain shield early on quickly dissipates, leaving no precip within 150 km of the radar by 05Z. Convective cells begin regenerating over the ocean by 07Z and by 1130Z, the storms have carved out a large chunk of real-estate over the Atlantic. Cells continue to increase in number and intensity as they begin to move onshore by 13Z. By 18Z, new cells begin firing southwest of KMLB, adding to the large shield of rain over the ocean and the cells which have streamed onshore north of KMLB. Locally heavy rain (except over ocean where rain is more widepsread) continues through day's end. Possible rotation in mass of convection evident near the end of the period may suggest primary forcing is upper level low pressure system (need a synoptic map to verify). Data processed: 0002-2120 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0948Z(126 km), 1124Z(705 km), 1301Z(707 km), 1438Z(128 km) QC notes: 0002-0207Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0221-0252Z: moderate AP remains embedded in light precip W of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> nothing can be done to remove embedded AP with this algorithm without removing legitimate precip as well...the AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags. * AP RANGE: AP located ~100-110 km from the radar 0312-0732Z: moderate/intense AP remaining, initially W then S of the radar, and eventually scattered about in several directions. This AP is often embedded in precip, particularly early in this time period -----> improved but many VOS's are still contaminated with AP which is mostly embedded in precipitation. See the following flags: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0312-0352Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded within light precip. Nothing can be done about embedded AP with this algorithm, short of removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0357-0417Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar. AP could not be removed without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km (near 150 km cutoff) 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0447Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar. * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0452-0532Z: moderate AP remains embedded in light precip SW of radar. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyon 100 km. 1830-1915Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining near radar 2A,3A,3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove the AP specks without removing precip as well. Checking the second-tilt scans shows that these specks are unusually deep and possess strong reflectivities aloft...they had us beat all the way with those characteristics. * AP RANGE: AP located within 50 km ******************************************************************************************************** 14 Jul 98: Early on numerous convective cells and showers NE of the radar conitnue to stream off to the north and west. By 10Z, much of the convection has died away, leaving an area of stratiform rain which continues to move off to the west. By 12Z, more cells begin to quickly develop both east and south of the radar and their movement now definitively demonstrates the presence of an upper-level low pressure system. A large convective cluster is present south of the radar by 15Z which continues to increase in coverage. By 20Z, most of Florida viewed by the KMLB radar is being affected either by intense convective cells N and W of the radar or weak to moderate stratiform precipitation S of the radar. The coverage in rain increases through the end of the day. Data processed: 0358-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0835Z(283 km), 1011Z(519 km), 1325Z(447 km), 1501Z(412 km) QC notes: 0953Z: moderate AP specks remaining near radar -----> corrected. A tiny speck of Ap remains but is considered negligible and not in need of a flag. 1930-2135Z: 10 km hole in precipitation surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected. 2139Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************************* 15 Jul 98: Moderate to heavy rain with embedded convection present west of Florida early on. By 05Z, much of the heavy precipitation has weakened and been reduced in its areal coverage, leaving only some scattered convection and areas of weak precip. New convection begins moving in from the west by 09Z while scattered weak showers continue to dominate the rest of the scope. By 13Z, the number of both convective cells and light showers has increased dramatically and by 16Z, a weak line of convection has developed near KMLB. This line breaks apart and weakens by 18Z, once again allowing the appreciable shield of light showers to dominate. More embedded convection fires up throughout the scope by 20Z, but all precipitation weaken as the day draws to a close (UTC end of the day). Data processed: 0000-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0859Z(227 km), 1035Z(739 km), 1212Z(665 km), 1349Z(21 km) QC notes: 0835-1054Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1059Z: precip-eating mode 1B+ !!FLAG!! -----> the ~50 km hole in precip was corrected, but to do so, Z0 had to be turned off (as well as turning down some heights) which allowed a moderate AP splotch to creep back into the field. Nothing can be done to remove this AP during a precip-eating mode event since the precip removal is so sensitive....hence the flag. The VOS gets a "1" flag but since the overpass is almost 750 km away, the flag really isn't that significant. * AP RANGE: AP located within 100 km 1109-1204Z: weak.moderate AP remaining SW of radar -----> corrected 1700Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 1714-2019Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected *********************************************************************************************************** 16 July 98: Scattered light showers prevail early on. Just about all precipitation is out of range by 0230Z. Some convective cells dance around the radar perimeter, out of range, after 09Z with convection moving into range by 12Z as cells develop over the Atlantic to the southeast and over Florida to the northwest. A line of convection develops by 16Z as it tracks eastward across Florida and quickly decays (by 18Z), leaving only showers. New convection fires south of the radar after 19Z, where some of the cells appear intense. By the end of the day, only a small cluster of rapidly decaying convection remains. Data processed: 0000-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0746Z(159 km), 0922Z(582 km), 1236Z(368 km), 1412Z(547 km) QC notes: 0050-0104Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining near radar -----> corrected 0114-0309Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining, mainly SW of radar -----> much improved, and almost completely corrected, except for the followinf VOS's, where the AP could not be removed without removing light precipitation. 3A- !!FLAG!! 0249-0304Z: moderate AP splotches remaining W of radar. Moved 0304Z VOS to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100km (near 150 km cutoff) 0424Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SW of the radar -----> corrected 0500-0505Z: moderate/intense AP remaining SW of radar -----> corrected. Any AP which remains in these VOS's or in the VOS's immediately preceding this time period is beyon 150 km and of no concern to us. Some very light showers were removed in the process of pushing the intense Ap beyond 150 km but this removal is deemed negligible and therefore no flags are given. 0924-1254Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining -----> much improved, but some problem areas still exist. All VOS's before 1044Z contained no precip within 150 km of the radar so all AP was easily removed by raising all QC parameters. After and including 1044Z, some convective cells started creeping within range and QC became more difficult. The following VOS's contain AP within range and are flagged accordingly: 3A- !!FLAG!! 1139-1149Z: small splotches of moderate AP remain * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km (~125 km) 1A- !!FLAG!! 1209-1224Z: moderate specks and splotches of AP remaining * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km (~120 km) 1A !!FLAG!! 1234-1239Z: intense AP splotches remaining * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km (~120 km) 1828-1833Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected. A weak speck of false echo remains but it is so small that it is deemed negligible. 1858-1918Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2133-2356Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2236-2356Z: weak/moderate/horrifiaclly intense AP from radar to points SW (sometimes embedded in precip) -----> improved, but the AP in some VOS's was so bad to begin with, even an improvement still does make it presentable. The following VOS's contain AP within range and are flagged accordingly: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 2306-2336Z: moderate to intense to horrifically intense AP remains and can not be removed without removing precip as well. The AP gets worse as you progress through this time period. * AP RANGE: All but 2 VOS's (2331-2336Z) contain AP which is beyond 100 km from the radar ********************************************************************************************************** 17 July 98: Early on, a weak line of convection develops over the Atlantic (~04Z) but quickly dissipates into a copule of convective cells by 0630Z. Widely scattered showers over the ocean continue and are joined by some widely scattered showers and cells over Florida. This scattered convective activity continues through the end of the day, but it is hardly the rain event of the last few days. Data processed: 0001-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0634Z(623 km), 0810Z(321 km), 1124Z(612 km), 1300Z(97 km) QC notes: 0001-0201Z: weak/moderate AP specks and splotches remaining either near the radar of NW of radar -----> corrected 0216-0336Z: moderate AP splotch remaining near radar -----> corrected 0341-0726Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining (at times, numerous splotches present) -----> vastly improved using H2-1.9 and dBZ noise=30. However, vastly improved does not mean we escaped without major flags (not when the AP is this bad). The following VOS's still contains splotches of AP which could not be removed without removing precip and are flagged accordingly: 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0346-0401Z: moderate/intense Ap splotches remaining NW to W of the radar. VOS 0401Z moved to bad_files_not_in_ 1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 3A- !!FLAG!! -----> 0411Z: moderate AP splotch remaining N of radar * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 3A- !!FLAG!! -----> 0421-0426Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining N to W of radar * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0441-0531Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining near radar, west of radar, and north of radar. VOS 0531Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: AP located within and beyond 100 km 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0551Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> 0601Z: weak/moderate Ap splotcxh remaining NW of radar. Moved VOS to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 1A !!FLAG!! -----> 0626-0706Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 0854-0914Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining N of radar -----> corrected 0943-1042Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining W of radar -----> corrected. Any remaining AP is beyon 150 km and therefore of no concern to us. 1047Z: widespread, horricially intense AP remaining 3A !!FLAG!! -----> vastly improved in that the wiedspread intense AP shield was reduced to just 3 splotches of intense AP. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 1052-1302Z: scattered moderate/intense AP splotches remaining (at times, numerous splotches present) -----> much improved, but several VOS's still contain AP splotches which could not be removed without removing significant precipitation as well...see the following flags: 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 1052-1207Z: isolated to scattered specks and splotches of moderate to intense AP remains. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 1A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 1227-1302Z: moderate to intense AP splotches remaining W of radar * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km *********************************************************************************************************** 18 Jul 98: Scattered showers and convection throughout the day. Convection becomes more numerous as the day closes to an end. After 23Z, a couple of very intense convective cells exist over Florida. Data processed: 0003-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0658Z(33 km), 0834Z(641 km), 1148Z(271 km), 1324Z(701 km) QC notes: 0623-0723Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 0738-0932Z: removal of light precipitation near radar -----> corrected 1147Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar -----> corrected 1222-1227Z: horrifically intense AP remaining WNW of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but AP like this will seldom be completely eradicated when precip is also present. Intense AP splotches still exist WNW of radar. * AP RANGE: beyond 100 km 1741Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar (Cape Canaveral) -----> corrected 1810-1815Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 1825Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 1845Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 1920-2010Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2045Z: moderate radial spike remnants remaining NW of radar 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but a piece of the moderate radial spike still remains embedded in light precip, of which nothing can be done to remove it. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyond 100 km (~130 km) 2045-2310Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 2100-2150Z: moderate AP splotch remaining WSW of radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved in that a couple of VOS's has the splotch removed, but others still contain at least a portion of the original splotch (if not the whole splotch)...hence the major flags * AP RANGE: AP located ~75 km from radar 2120-2150Z: moderate to horrifically intense AP remaining just W of radar; often embedded in precipitation 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved in that much of the stand-alone intense AP has been removed but much of the AP was embedded in precip, which means nothing can be done to remove it without removing precip as well. Hence the major flags. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km 2145-2220Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2315-2359Z: moderate/intense AP specks embedded in light to moderate precip S of radar 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> nothing can be done about embedded AP without removing the precipitation echoes as well. This flag is a little less severe than what is usually given to embedded AP because the false echo is in the form of very small specks and some of these specks are effectively masked by precipitation of comparable reflectivity. *********************************************************************************************************** 19 Jul 98: Strong convective clusters present very early on begin to rapidly dissipate and are all but stratiform precipitation by 03Z. Scattered convective cells begin firing over the ocean by 07Z. By 14Z, the Atlantic ocean convection has become a bit more numerous and the cores are now larger. By 16Z, some of these cells have merged into strong convective cluster which continues to trek towards the Florida coast. Meanwhile, scattered convection begins to now form over Florida. By 18Z, several storng convective cores are now present over Florida, as well.By 19Z, coverage of these strong convective clusters over Florida has increased as all activity has shifted inland. Copious amounts of rain by 20Z as convective activity continues to intensify (with stratiform precip present now as well). By ~22Z, a clearly visible gust front begins travelling southward, away from a collapsing storm, where it interacts with a northward travelling outflow boundary. Rapid convective development occurs when these two boundaries intersect at ~2229Z. As the day draws to a close, the convective coverage has abated but a large stratiform precip shield is still present over Florida. Data processed: 0004-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0546Z(472 km), 0722Z(413 km), 1036Z(547 km), 1212Z(229 km) QC notes: 0014-0034Z: moderate/intense AP specks embedded in light precip 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove the false echo since it was embedded in precip and therefore impervious to this QC algorithm (unless all precip is removed as well). VOS 0034Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. Flag is not a major flag because of the small areal coverage of the AP 0214-0223Z: moderate/intense AP specks reamining SW of radar -----> corrected 0233-0510Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining -----> improved in tha tmost of the stand-alone AP was removed. Unfortunately, the are several VOS's which contain embedded AP of which nothing can be done (please see the following flags): 2B,3A,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0238-0316Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remain embedded in precip W of radar * AP RANGE: located both within and beyond 100 km from radar 2B,3A,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0336-0401Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remain embedded in precip W of radar * AP RANGE: AP located ~80 km from radar 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> 0406Z: moderate AP splotch remaining north of radar * AP RANGE: located ~50 km from radar 3A- !!FLAG!! -----> 0416Z: small but intense AP splotch remaining N of radar * AP RANGE: located ~50 km from radar 0605-0615Z: moderate AP splotch remaining near radar -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************************** 20 Jul 98: Early on, a large area of stratiform rain is present west of the radar but is dissipating quickly and is basically gone by 03Z. Convective cells persist off the east coast of Florida for most of the day. Widely scattered cells at ~04Z slowly increase in number and coverage, with a rapid increase at ~10Z. Convection begins moving onshore by 14Z and wiedspread showers and convection persist through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0610Z(85 km), 0746Z(690 km), 0923Z(720 km), 1100Z(167 km), QC notes: 0001-0120Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 0011Z: intense AP speck NW of radar, along fringe of precip shield 3A- !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP speck without removing precip as well. It appears that the AP is partially embedded in the light precip bordering the stratiform shield...which is enough to prevent its removal by the QC algorithm...the speck remains and the VOS receives an A- flag. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyond 100 km 0015-0303Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining; often embedded in precipitation 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> except for a couple of VOS's at the end of this time period (when the AP episode was sinding down), almost all AP specks and splotches remain since they are embedded in precip and therefore can not be handled with this QC algorithm...hence the major flags. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located both within and beyond 100 km 0050-0110Z: removal of light to moderate precipitation -----> corrected. But, these VOS's are still flagged due to embedded AP (see above flag) 1725-1759Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining SW of radar, some of which is embedded in precipitation 2A-,3A- !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but the majority of the 6 VOS's in this time period still contain a renegade splotch of moderate AP which could not be removed without removing precip as well...the AP remains and the VOS's are flagged accordingly. ********************************************************************************************************** 21 Jul 98: Early on, dissipating convection west of the radar conitnue to move out of range. Lull in activity (02-03Z) is short-lived as new, widely scattered cells begin firing just off the east coast of Florida. Cells present over land as well by 05Z but activity is still of the widely scattered variety. By 06Z, a larger, more impressive cluster starts moving into range from the Southeast, accompanied by more numerous convective cells. By 08Z, the cluster of convection has grown and moved closer to the radar, although it is still over the Atlantic. The convection decays by 11Z, when the shower remnants begin moving over Florida. By 18Z, another more impressive convective cluster begins moving into range from the south. By 20Z, the coverage of convective cells has increased dramatically throughout the scope while a shield of moderate precipitation resides in the scope's SW quadrant. Widespread convection with locally heavy rain continues through the end of the day, with a slight abatement after 23Z. Data processed: 0003-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0457Z(329 km), 0634Z(494 km), 0948Z(474 km), 1124Z(365 km) QC notes: 1050-1155Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 1210-1235Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but VOS's 1225-1235Z still contain Ap splotches which could not be removed without removing precip as well...the AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags. VOS's 1230Z and 1235Z were moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: located beyond 100 km 2231-2256Z: moderate AP specks remaining W of radar -----> corrected *********************************************************************************************************** 22 Jul 98: Dissipating, scattered convection and stratiform remnants present early on. New scattered cells begin to fire over the ocean by 04Z. A large MCS system begins moving into range from the south by 08Z. The system, a ragged, arced squall line with trailing stratiform region, moves due north and overtakes the radar by 11Z. Stratiform precip weakens to only scattered light showers. THe convection over land associated with the system weakens while the convection over water remains strong through ~14Z, when all convection has finally decayed or moved out of range. Scattered convective activity persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0521Z(194 km), 0658Z(729 km), 0835Z(679 km), 1012Z(57 km) QC notes: 0241-0341Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar -----> corrected. Any false echoes which remain are beyond 150 km and not a concern. Some small specks of showers were removed in the QC process but the removal of this minute amount of precipitation is considered negligible. 0406Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar -----> corrected 0626Z: radial spike remnants remaining S of radar -----> not in need of correction since the AP was confirmed to be beyond 150 km and therefore not a concern 0716Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining S of radar -----> corrected 1057-1221Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 1221-1441Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar (sometimes embedded in light precip) 2A,3A,3B !!FLAG!! -----> much improved but numerous VOS's still contain moderate to intense AP specks and splotches south of the radar, some of which is embedded in light precipitation. The remaining AP could not be removed without removing precip as well. VOS 1401Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km (120-150km) 1226-1236Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining W of radar -----> corrected. Any AP which remains in this region is beyond 150 km and therefore of no concern to us. 1351-1356Z: widespread, horrifically intense AP remaining S of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> much improved, but still earns a major flag for an intense AP splotch which still remains within range in each VOS. Also, some weak showers NE of the radar were removed during the QC process. In this case, due to the intense nature and widespread coverage of the AP, the removal of these light showers was deemed an acceptable trade-off. * AP RANGE: located ~125 km from radar 1846-2256Z: second-trip echo remaining S of radar -----> corrected 2126-2131Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2146Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2156-2201Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar 3B !!FLAG!! -----> completely improved except for a speck of AP which remains in VOS 2201Z, which could not be removed without removing precip as well....the Ap remains and the VOS was moved to the bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: located within 100 km (~50 km) *********************************************************************************************************** 23 Jul 98: Much drier day than the last few days at Melb. Only significant precipitation comes in the form of scattered, decaying convection and stratiform west of the radar from 00-0230Z. Data processed: 0001-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0409Z(197 km), 0546Z(563 km), 0859Z(392 km), 1036Z(506 km) QC notes: 1009Z: moderate AP splotch remaining (no precipitation present) -----> corrected 1029-1217Z: scattered weak/moderate AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 2130Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining SE of radar -----> corrected 2140-2359Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense radial spike remnants remaining (no precip present within range) -----> corrected ************************************************************************************************************* 24 Jul 98: Only precipitation in the form of widely scattered showers near the end of the day. Data processed: 0009-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0257Z(668 km), 0433Z(292 km), 0747Z(630 km), 0923Z59 km) QC notes: 0107-1119Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 2001-2046Z: weak AP splotches remaining NE of radar -----> corrected 2046Z: moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2056Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2111Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2141Z: moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar -----> corrected 2206-2316Z: "smokestack-signal" present SW of radar. It is hard to believe that this reflectivity return is from any wildfires because of the large amount of rain which has fallen in the region of the last couple of weeks. The "cell" remains stationary, with blow-off to the west, while any other real cells on this day possessed a definitive propogation direction. Also, checking the archived satellite image for the region on 980724/0000 UTC (4 minutes after the last image here) shows a completely cloud-free sky in the region. Therefore, I am considering the return as false and removing any remnants which remain. 2A-,3A- !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but could not completely remove the "smokestack signal" in VOS's 2206-2241Z...hence the flags. (vertical extent of return allows it to survive in the flagged VOS's) * AP RANGE: Ap located within 100 km from radar ************************************************************************************************************* 25 Jul 98: No precipitation until late in the day when scattered convection begins to fire sporadically over Florida, but nothing which greatly impresses. Data processed: 0001-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0320Z(75 km), 0457Z(623 km), 0810Z(304 km), 0947Z(649 km) QC notes: 0001-0834Z: chaff + scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present). Chaff verified by (1)characterisitc streamer appearance, (2)lack of clouds in area, (3) lack of vertical continuity and (4) "chunking" of chaff by QC algorithm (which has become another tell- tale sign. -----> corrected 0923-0943Z: weak AP splotch remaining NE of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 1003-1042Z: weak AP splotch remaining NE of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected *note: chaff is again present north of the radar as the day draws to a close but it never ventures inside of 150 km and is therefore never a candidate for reprocessing ************************************************************************************************************* 26 Jul 98: Only precipitation on this day comes in scattered decaying convection early on (00-04) and more numerous, but still scattered, convection after 13Z which moves in from the Atlantic. This late day convection weakens as the day draws to a close. Data processed: 0000-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0208Z(523 km), 0344Z(382 km), 0658Z(571 km), 0835Z(182 km) QC notes: 0515-0540Z: weak/moderate AP remaining SW of radar -----> AP confirmed to be outside of 150 km and therefore of no concern 0825Z: weak AP remaining NW of radar -----> AP confirmed to be outside of 150 km and therefore of no concern 0900-1320Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate/intense to horrifically intense AP remaining W of radar (no precip before 1235Z) -----> vastly improved, with only a couple of problem VOS's remaining (see the following flags) 3A !!FLAG!! 1235-1240Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar. Could not remove false echo without removing precip cell SE of radar. * AP RANGE: located ~130 km from radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 1305-1310Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar, which could not be removed without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar 1840Z: moderate/intense radial spike remnants remaining S of radar (mostly embedded in precip) 2B+ !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but some moderate AP still remains, embedded in precip. Luckily, even more of the AP is reduced due to effective masking by precip of the same intenseity in the region * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~110-130 km ************************************************************************************************************* 27 Jul 98: Only widely scattered showers and cells throughout the day....nothing too impressive. Data processed: 0001-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0232Z(45 km), 0409Z(675 km), 0546Z(732 km), 0722Z(204 km) QC notes: 0046-0051Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NNW of radar -----> VOS 0051 was corrected. The AP present in VOS 0046Z was confirmed to be beyond 150 km and therefore not in need of reprocessing 0121Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 0156-0206Z: weak/moderate AP splotches remaining NNW of radar -----> corrected 0246-0401Z: weak radial spike remnants NE of radar giving way to weak/moderate/ intense AP splotches remaining W of radar -----> improved, but a couple of AP splotches still remain in a couple of VOS's....see the following flags: 3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0316-0326Z: small, but moderate, AP splotch remaining which could not be removed without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: located ~125 km from radar 1045Z: weak AP splotches remaining W of radar -----> corrected 1203-1223Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W and SSE of radar -----> corrected ************************************************************************************************************* 28 Jul 98: A couple of clusters of convection are present early. The southern most cluster decays by 0230Z but the northernmost cluster maintains its strength as it tracks off to the east, out over the Atlantic, and eventually out of range by 05Z. After a lengthy lull in activity, some small showers once again fire over Florida by 16Z. By 18Z, some more substantial cells have the taken the place of the showers, which continue tracking eastward. The cells merge into a cluster by 19Z but starts decaying by 22Z, leaving only a rapidly shrinking stratiform rain region by day's end. Data processed: 0004-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0120Z(378 km), 0256Z(466 km), 0610Z(500 km), 0746Z(317 km) QC notes: 0049-0149Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining ESE of radar -----> much improved, with only one VOS remaining which contains intense AP inside of 150 km. A small trade-off in removing this harsh AP was that some light showers surrounding the convective cores were reduced. However, this is considered an acceptable tradeoff given the weak nature and small areal coverage of the precip removed versus the very intense nature of the AP which would have remained if these more aggressive steps were not taken. The one Vos still containing AP is flagged below: 1A !!FLAG!! -----> 0114Z: intense AP splotches remain within range * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar 0159Z: intense AP splotch remaining SW of radar -----> corrected 0214-0424Z: scattered to widespread moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining -----> improved, in that some VOS's were completely corrected while the majority of the VOS's had a reduction in number of AP splotches. But, several time periods still warrant major flags and all flagged VOS's are listed as follows: 3A,1A !!FLAG!! -----> 0219-0229Z: moderate to intense Ap splotch remains SW of radar * AP RANGE: located ~80-90 km from radar 1A !!FLAG!! -----> 0224-0314Z: moderate to intense AP specks embedded in convection just north of radar. * AP RANGE: located 60-75 km from radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0319-0410Z: embedded Ap still a problem for first couple VOS's in this time period but all VOS's have the problem of scattered moderate/intense AP splotches remaining which could not be removed without removing precip as well * AP RANGE: ~75-125 km from radar 0619Z: intense AP splotch remaining N of radar -----> corrected 0749-0759Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 0844-1430Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1911-2020Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining N of radar and/or weak radial spike remnants remaining NE of radar -----> improved, but some VOS's still contain an AP splotch which could not be removed without removing precip as well...see the following flags: 3B !!FLAG!! -----> 1920Z: moderate AP splotch remaining (very small) * AP RANGE: ~50 km from radar 3B !!FLAG!! -----> 1935-1940Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining * AP RANGE: ~50 km from radar ************************************************************************************************************* 29 Jul 98: Only precipitation before 15Z comes in the form of a rapidly decaying stratiform region early on and scattered rain along the scope's periphery. After 15Z, cells begin to fire and become numerous over Florida. By 19Z, a few convective clusters are now present along with some stratiform-like precipitation. By 2030Z, a broken line of convection is present north of the radar. Stron convection begins firing south of the radar soon after, with light to moderate stratiform rain present throughout. The convection present north and south of the radar is in full dissipation stage by 23Z, leaving weak showers and scattered cells over the Ocean as the day draws to a close. Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0144Z(157 km), 0320Z(716 km), 0457Z(695 km), 0634Z(96 km) QC notes: 0001-0036Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining, almost always embedded in light precip NE of radar -----> little could be done since most of the AP was embedded in AP which means to remove the AP, the precip must be removed as well. See the following flags: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0001-0031Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded in light precip * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~50 km from radar 0136-0236Z: scattered weak/moderate AP remaining, mainly S of radar (no precip present within range) -----> corrected 0256-0520Z: horrifically intense AP remaining SSW of radar (no precip present within range) -----> corrected 0620-0625Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining SW of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected 0724-0734Z: weak/moderate AP remaining E of radar -----> corrected 1837-1953Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1907-1922Z: moderate/intense AP remaining near radar, some embedded in precip 3A !!FLAG!! -----> improved slightly, but much of the AP remains. This is because the false echo is embedded in precip and there is no solution for that short of removing all precip as well (which is not an option)...AP was reduced but most remains and the VOS's are given a major flag * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40 km from radar 2013-2322Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 2128-2302Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining; often embedded in precipitation 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> only very slight improvement because most of AP is embedded in precipitation which means there is no cure....the AP remains and the VOS's are flagged accordingly. Moved VOS 2302Z to bad_files_ not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located 60-110 km 2332-2357Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining; often embedded in precipitation 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> AP is embedded in precipitation and can not be removed without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located 50-110 km ************************************************************************************************************** 30 Jul 98: Convection offshore to the NE and a large stratiform region to the SW dissipate between 0002-0230Z. Scattered convection forms after 15Z. Numerous cells with moderate to heavy precip form, remain stationary or drift slowly, then die off. Data processed: 0002-2240 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0031Z(243 km), 0208Z(540 km), 0522Z(422 km), 0658Z(455 km) 2319Z(721 km) QC notes: 0002-0252Z: AP to NW and NE...also some embedded intense specks in precip shield to SW and W. ----> Corrected from 0231-0242Z. Otherwise, see below flags: 1A, 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> 0002-0057Z: Embedded intense AP to SW and W. * AP RANGE: 50-100 km, w/ a few specks between 100-150 km. 1B, 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! ----> 0102-0141Z: A few embedded AP specks. Definitely not as widespread as previous period. * AP RANGE: 50-100 km. 1A !!FLAG!! ----> 0146-0221Z: Embedded intense AP specks to immediate N and also SW. Also some AP to NE outside 150 km. * AP RANGE: ~25 km to N & ~75-100 km to SW. 1B !!FLAG!! ----> 0226Z: Embedded AP to SW in light precip. * AP RANGE: ~100 km 2B !!FLAG!! ----> 0247-0252Z: A few specks of embedded AP. * AP RANGE: ~50 km 0257-0712Z: Scattered AP w/o precip. ----> Corrected. 1805-2140: Perhaps some AP surrounding precip cores around radar. 2B, 3B !!FLAG!! ----> Kept params the same and flagged. It's very difficult to distinguish exactly what should or shouldn't be precip amidst all the clutter near the radar, thus felt it do more harm than good to increase the params and remove some of the outlying precip. * AP RANGE: 0-50 km 2145-2225Z: Embedded intense AP in precip just to W of radar. 2A, 3A !!FLAG!! ----> Second tilt imagery shows light precip (not heavy enough to justify such large reflectivity in lowest tilt). Increasing params doesn't help that much since the AP is embedded. Thus, flagged as a major problem. * AP RANGE: ~50 km 2230Z: Embedded intense AP in precip just to W of radar. ----> Corrected. Vertical structure of light precip in second tilt almost non-existent, thus was able to correct this VOS. *************************************************************************************************** 31 Jul 98: A few isolated areas of convection to W and NW from 00-02 Z. Scattered convection offshore to E and SE between 03-08 Z, mostly outside 150 km, though. More widespread scattered convection forms offshore after 10Z thru 20Z. By 15Z, a region of scattered convection has developed over land to the S of the radar. A line of convection forms along the coast by 19Z, then dissipates. A large convective clusters also develops to SW near 19Z, then weakens into a broad area of stratiform precip. A few other convective cells pop up over land late in the day to the N, NW and W. Data processed: 0025-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0055Z(258 km), 0232Z(747 km), 0409Z(648 km), 0545Z(17 km), 2343Z(118 km) QC notes: 0025-0241Z: Scattered light to intense AP to N/NE at longer ranges, plus a few intense AP specks at mid-ranges. All combined with a couple isolated convective cells to W and NW. ----> Corrected inside 150 km. 0246-0619Z: Scattered light to moderate AP to N/NE at longer ranges. Some scattered convection offshore, but mostly > 150 km. ----> Corrected inside 150 km. Most of the AP and precip is outside 150 km, but corrected things further to be safe. 1752Z: Intense AP speck along the coast to the N. ----> Corrected. 1803-1938Z: Intense AP speck along the coast to the N. ----> Corrected, expcept for following flags. 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 1903 & 1923: Intense speck to N cannot be fully removed w/o taking away more precip. Using 1908Z in 1C.HDF granule instead of 1903Z. * AP RANGE: ~75 km. 2228Z: Intense AP speck to SW at ~125 km. ----> Corrected. 2258-2328Z: Light to intense AP shield to SW/W near precip. ----> Corrected, except for 2308Z. 3A- !!FLAG!! ----> 2308Z: Some intense embedded AP difficult to remove to the SW. * AP RANGE: ~150 km ***********************************************************************************************************