Site log - Melbourne (September 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 Sep 98: A couple of dissipating convective cells are present early on but they are gone by 02Z. No more precipitation present until after 18Z when scattered convection begins developing over Florida. Activity increases in strength and areal coverage until peaking around 2330Z, when decay then becomes evident. Several interesting gust front interactions present near day's end. Data processed: 0003-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0733Z(63 km), 0910Z(628 km), 1224Z(296 km), 1400Z(662 km) QC notes: 0217-0227Z: weak AP splotch remaining SSE of radar -----> corrected 0352-1652Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1702Z: weak AP splotch remaining -----> corrected 1747Z: weak AP splotch remaining -----> corrected 1802-1822Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining E to SE of radar -----> all vos's corrected, except one, which is detailed in the following flag: 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 1822Z: intense AP patch remaining SE of radar. could not remove AP without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: ~110 km from radar 1837-1902Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining N of radar (wildfire remnants?) 2A-,3A- !!FLAG!! -----> If in fact this false echo is from wildfires, it is very deep in the vertical which means it is next to impossible to remove without removing precip as well. The spurious echo remains and is flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: ~60 km from radar 2037-2137Z: moderate AP remaining N of radar (wildfire remnants?) -----> corrected 2207-2222Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded in light precip just S of radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> nothing can be done to remove embedded AP unless all precip is removed as well...the embedded AP remains and is flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~35-50 km from radar ******************************************************************************************* 02 Sep 98: At the start of the day, a compact but intense convective cluster is present just east of the radar, exiting the Florida coast. In addition, several areas of moderate showers are scattered about the scope. The showers dissipates and the convective cluster also weakens as it moves out over the ocean, and is completely out of range and quite weak by 0430Z. Things quiet down for a while but new precipitation begins moving into range by 13Z. By 1730Z, numerous convective cells enter the range of the radar from the southwest while a large shield of moderate precipitation tantalizes us along the northwest fringe. Scattered convection and showers continue through the end of the day. Some of the cells look intense. Data processed: 0000-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0621Z(509 km), 0757Z(391 km), 1111Z(565 km), 1248Z(195 km) QC notes: 0010-0100Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining SW to S of radar -----> improved, but many Vos's still contain splotches of intense AP, including some embedded AP. Here is a list of the flagged volume scans: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0030-0100Z: intense AP and embedded AP remains south of the radar. * AP RANGE: non-embedded AP - ~105-120 km embedded AP - 110-150 km 0025-0339Z: significant CAE remaining NW to N of radar -----> improved but many Vos's still contain weak splotches of CAE. See the following flags for details: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0050-0100Z; weak CAE patches remain N of radar. * AP RANGE: ~90-150 km from radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0105-0339Z: weak CAE echo remains * AP RANGE: ~100-150 km from radar 0151Z: large sector east of radar void of data 3A !!FLAG!! -----> moved Vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf 0428-0433Z: weak splotches of AP remaining N of radar -----> corrected 0438-0443Z: moderate AP speck remaining near radar -----> corrected 0458-0503Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining N of radar -----> corrected 0528Z: weak AP splotch remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 0553-1218Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1036Z: dimming of reflectivities -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1238-1243Z: weak AP splotch remaining N of radar -----> corrected 1258Z: moderate AP splotches remaining NW of radar 1A- !!FLAG!! -----> improved but could not completely remove the false echo patch due to it's relatively deep vertical extent. Therefore, a portion of the moderate AP remains and is flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: ~80 km from radar 1303Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar -----> corrected 1401Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar -----> corrected 1551-1626Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar -----> corrected 2011-2130Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 2216-2245Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar -----> corrected 2245-2315Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining SW of radar -----> much improved, but a couple of vos's still contain splotches of moderate to intense AP... they are detailed with the following flags: 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 2245-2250Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remains. * AP RANGE: 110 km from radar ****************************************************************************************** 03 Sep 98: Early on, several convective cells exist scattered about the scope. An E-W oriented cluster develops after 0130Z and moves off the the NE. Strong cluster is out of radar range by 04Z, but a few smaller convective cells exist in it's wake, which in turn organizes in a line of storms as it too moves off to the NE and eventually out of range. More moderate precip and convection moves in from the west after 09Z. By 13Z, a large precip mass is present W of the radar while another line of cells fires up E of the radar, off the Florida coast. By 17Z, another line of cells forms over Florida and passes over KMLB. As this convective line moves out of range, still more cells fire over Florida behind it. Scattered activity persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0645Z(56 km), 0822Z(679 km), 0959Z(729 km), 1135Z(195 km) QC notes: 0001-0026Z: 10 km hole in precip over the radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0101-0126Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining S to SW of radar (some AP is embedded in precip) -----> improved, but the very intense nature of this AP made complete QC success a virtual impossibility. The Vos's were flagged in the following manner: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0101-0106Z: all intense AP was removed but in the process, the fringe of some weak showers were also shaved away a bit. The vos's are flagged for this reason but due to the intense AP which existed originally, this is deemed an acceptable trade-off. 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0111-0126Z: intense AP remains, which could not be removed without removing significant precip as well. * AP RANGE: ~55-150 km from radar 0131-0206Z: weak CAE remaining S of radar, in vicinity of precipitation. -----> corrected 0221-0838Z: remnants of chaff bands remaining, moving from SW to NE -----> much improved, with several vos's completely corrected. But there are still numerous vos's, particularly early on in this time period where the relatively deep vertical extent of the chaff prevents its removal. See the following flags: 2B+,3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> 0221-0422Z: weak/moderate chaff of appreciable coverage remaining. * AP RANGE: ~100-15 km from radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0427-0532Z: weak chaff of smaller areal coverage remaining. * AP RANGE: ~75-100 km from radar 1B !!FLAG!! -----> 0637-0702Z: weak chaff remaining * AP RANGE: ~110-140 km from radar 1802-2141Z: chaff remnants remaining S of radar, moving off to E. -----> corrected 1817-2022Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2216-2246Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************* 04 Sep 98: Scattered convective activity throughout the day, with more precipitation present at the start and finish of the day. Data processed: 0001-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0533Z(366 km), 0709Z(474 km), 1023Z(493 km) 1159Z(329 km) QC notes: 0021-0502Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 0241Z: weak AP remaining very close to radar 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove AP without removing light precip. AP remains and is flagged accordingly. * AP RANGE: 0-20 km from radar 0512-0537Z: moderate/intense AP remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 1103Z: dimming of reflectivities -----> corrected by moving file to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1454-1644Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************** 05 Sep 98: Scattered, nearly stationary, convection west of the radar early on. This activity begins dissipating by 0350Z, but more scattered cells begin to develop over the Atlantic about the same time. Scattered activity, both east and west of the radar, persists until about 14Z when the precipitation starts becoming more organized and widespread. At this time, a large area of convection and moderate stratiform rain moves in from the SE, towards the NW. By 19Z, much of the radar field of view is filled with heavy rain. Heavy rain event peaks near 23Z, when convection begins either weakening or moving out of range, leaving a shrinking stratiform rain region which lingers through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0557Z(166 km), 0733Z(719 km), 0910Z(691 km) 1047Z(87 km) QC notes: 0040-0045Z: weak AP patches remaining NNW of radar -----> corrected 0055-0640Z: scattered weak AP remaining over land -----> corrected 1121Z: bad volume scan -----> corrected by moving scan to bad_files_not_in_ 1C,hdf directory. 1125-1435Z: weak (with occassional intense) AP patches remaining scattered about W of radar -----> all weak AP was removed but it was diificult to remove the intense AP patches whiched popped up for a couple of vos's. See the following flag: 3A,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 1210-1220Z: intense AP patch remaining * AP RANGE: ~80 km from radar 1740Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************** 06 Sep 98: Decaying regions of stratiform rain dominate the scope early on, although most precipitation is out of effective radar range. All significant precip is out of range by 0330Z. By 07Z, new convective cells begin to develop over the Atlantic and stream NW towards land. After 10Z, convection forms over Florida as well, NW of the radar. Scattered convection with occasional strong cells and locally heavy rain persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0003-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0444Z(233 km), 0621Z(545 km), 0934Z(416 km), 1111Z(466 km) QC notes: 0008-0123Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0048-0258Z: scattered weak AP/CAE remaining W of radar -----> improved and almost completely corrected except for the weak to moderate CAE which remains near the radar in some Vos's because it is embedded in light precip present in the area during the same time. See the following flag: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0048-0118Z: weak/moderate CAE remains embedded in light precip near radar. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located 0-30 km 0313-0343Z: scattered weak AP patches remaining -----> corrected 0603-0638Z: weak AP patch remaining just NW of radar -----> corrected 1125Z: bad radar volume scan where some of the lower elevation angles are missing -----> corrected by moving scan to bad_files_not_in_ 1C.hdf directory ******************************************************************************************** 07 Sep 98: Strong convection and large stratiform rain shield present W of the radar early on but the sotrms are quickly dissipating and and more or less out of range by 04Z. Small, scattered cells begin streaming in from the Atlantic after 04Z. Relatively insignificant, scattered activity persists until ~16Z, when the cells begin to quickly increase in coverage and strength. By 1830Z, several clusters of strong convection exist within range of the radar. Widespread convection and locally heavy rain persists through 23Z, when the activity begins winding down. During the height of activity, several gust fronts and gust front interactions are evident. Data processed: 0005-1645Z 1814-2358Z Satellite Coincidence: 0332Z(711 km), 0508Z(265 km), 0645Z(749 km), 0822Z(645 km), 0958Z(25 km) QC notes: 0025-0100Z: weak AP splotches remaining near radar -----> corrected 0509-0609Z: moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar -----> corrected 0719-0739Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W to SW of radar -----> corrected 0835-1044Z: intense AP splotches remaining W to SW of radar -----> corrected 1108Z: dimming of reflectivities -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.HDF directory. 1214-1249Z: intense AP splotches remaining W of radar -----> corrected 1829-2119Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar -----> corrected 2158-2358Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar -----> corrected ****************************************************************************************** 08 Sep 98: At the start of the day, the only significant precipitation can be found out over the Atlantic where a dissipating convective cluster continues moving out to sea. Rain associated with this dying feature is just about out of range by 03Z. Widely scattered light rain is the only game in town until about 0730Z, when convection once begins to fire over the Atlantic. This convection increases in coverage but remains at a considerable distance from shore. By 17Z, the convection over the ocean begins creeping out of range, but new cells now begin firing over Florida, west of the radar. By 21Z, many areas over Florida, within range of the radar, are being hit by convection and locally heavy rain. Strong cluster of storms moves towards the KMLB radar by day's end. Data processed: 0004-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0356Z(108 km), 0532Z(607 km), 0846Z(329 km), 1022Z(609 km) QC notes: 0004-0039Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> precip hole corrected but unfortunately, filling in the hole revealed that some clutter is embedded in light precip in the region. See the following flag: 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 0004-0014Z: two moderate AP specks remain embedded in light precip in immediate vicinity of radar. Given minor flags because AP looks to be within cone of silence prevalent in higher level products. * AP RANGE: <10 km from radar 0219-0616Z: scattered weak AP ramining over land -----> corrected 0501Z: intense AP patch remaining in addition to scattered weak AP -----> corrected 0716-0741Z: weak AP patches remaining W of radar -----> corrected 0807-0902Z: weak AP remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 1050Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees -----> corrected by moving bad scan to the bad_files_ not_in_1C.hdf directory 1131-1151Z: weak AP patch remaining SW of radar -----> corrected 1221-1226Z: intense AP patch remaining WNW of radar -----> corrected 2213-2358Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2308Z: intense AP patch remaining W of radar -----> corrected 2318-2348Z: intense AP remaining W to NW of radar -----> corrected ****************************************************************************************** 09 Sep 98: Early on, a decaying region of stratiform precipitation from the previous day's convective activity continues to move off to the east and over the Atlantic. All significant precip is out of range by 0330Z. No significant precip until after 16Z, when convection begins creeping into range from the west and southwest. Scattered convection, mainly south of the radar, is the rule through the end of the day. Data processed: 0004-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0243Z(560 km), 0420Z(360 km), 0733Z(587 km), 0910Z(150 km) QC notes: 0004-0029Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0044-1622Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining -----> this time period turned out to be more tricky than originally thought (and it wasn't easy to begin with) because of the scattered and very weak showers which were residing beneath the large shield of AP and CAE. The good news is that the new reprocessing scenario did a great job of removing scattered splotches of weak AP while leaving most of the light showers untouched. The bad news is that not all of the AP which remained was weak and this more intense false echo was much more difficult to remove without removing the light showers....hence the following flags: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0122-0142Z: intense AP splotch remaining just N of radar * AP RANGE: ~45 km from radar 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0217-0352Z: weak, but mostly intense AP splotches remaining W of radar * AP RANGE: ~60-80 km from radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0617-0632Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar. Moved vos 0632Z to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory * AP RANGE: ~80 km from radar 1119Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees -----> corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_ in_1C.hdf directory. 1229Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees -----> corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_ in_1C.hdf directory. 2005-2105Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ****************************************************************************************** 10 Sep 98: Rather quiet early on, with only a few scattered showers and convective cells off the Florida coast. A quasi-stationary line of convection (not too impressive) gets it's act together over the Atlantic after 05Z. This precipitation remains in more or less the same position through 10Z. Some stray cells from this cluster make it into the KMLB area. After 10Z, the cluster begins weakening and moving out to sea. By 15Z, more convection begins to fire in the same relative area. This convection fills in south of the radar and intensifies through 21Z, when stratiform rain becomes the dominant feature. This rain region dissipates through the end of the day. Data processed: 0003-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0307Z(15 km), 0444Z(662 km), 0621Z(740 km), 0758Z(231 km) QC notes: 0143-0208Z: weak AP splotches remaining -----> corrected 0223-0253Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar -----> corrected 0651-0841Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1113-1929Z: weak AP remaining near radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> slightly improved, but for the most part, the weak AP returns near the radar remain and could not be removed without removing light precip as well...hence the minor flag. ****************************************************************************************** 11 Sep 98: Only precipitation on this day occurs early on in the form of a rapidly decaying stratiform rain region south of the radar. All precip associated with this feature dissipates by 023Z, leaving no precipitation within range for the rest of the day. Data processed: 0004-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0155Z(417 km), 0331Z(445 km), 0645Z(521 km), 0822Z(280 km) QC notes: 1102-1259Z: scattered weak AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1408Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining SSW of radar (no precip present) -----> corrected ****************************************************************************************** 12 Sep 98: Only precipitation on this day in the form of widely scattered weak showers near the end of the day (nothing too significant). Data processed: 0004-2350 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0219Z(126 km), 0356Z(705 km), 0532Z(706 km) 0934Z(128 km) QC notes: 0039-0312Z: chaff remnants + scattered weak AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1104-1312Z: scattered weak AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 2202-2350Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************* 13 Sep 98: Widely scattered showers (with some weak convective cells) off and on throughout the day...but nothing too significant. Data processed: 0000-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0653Z(282 km), 0243Z(519 km), 0557Z(446 km), 0733Z(415 km) QC notes: 0000-0553Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected. Some very light AP also returns to a few vos's but they are of no concern since they are beyond 150 km from the radar 1305-2053Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected. One volume scan did contain some weak AP once the parameters were weakened to allow for the re-institution og light precip (see the following flag): 3B !!FLAG!! -----> 1305Z: weak AP remaining SW of radar which could not be removed without removing light precip as well. Moved vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: ~110 km from radar ******************************************************************************************* 14 Sep 98: Steady stream of scattered convective cells move onshore over the course of the entire day. Convective cells and coverage of cells much more significant than the last couple of days, but still not a widespread rainmaker (although several areas of locally heavy rain exist on this day). Data processed: 0004-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0131Z(231 km), 0307Z(740 km), 0444Z(663 km), 0621Z(15 km) QC notes: 0238-0243Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining W of radar -----> corrected 0313-0753Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 0923-0958Z: small hole in precip directly over radar -----> corrected 1126Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving volume scan to the bad_files_ not_in_1C.hdf directory 1233-1313Z: small hole in precip directly over radar -----> corrected 1528Z: precip-eating mode? -----> corrected 1548-1619Z: small hole in precip directly over radar -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************** 15 Sep 98: Precipitation regime is very similar to previous day, except this day also contains a large, but quickly weakening stratiform region by it's close. Therefore, a little more significant precipitation on this day. Data processed: 0002-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0018Z(150 km), 0155Z(587 km), 0508Z(360 km), 0645Z(560 km), 2306Z(612 km) QC notes: 0214-0234Z: small hole in precip directly over radar -----> corrected 0259-1508Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 0417Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 0838-0913Z: small hole in precip directly over radar -----> corrected 1120Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory ******************************************************************************************** 16 Sep 98: Scattered convection streaming onshore out of the southeast, early on. Dissipating stratiform rain region also present south of the radar. By 02Z, the stratiform region is gone but the convection moving in from the Atlantic continues. Larger complex begins to move into range from the southeast by 06Z. Two clusters of moderate precipitation and embedded convection present near the Florida coast by 0830Z, with another even larger complex moving in from the southeast. By 12Z, heavy rain event in place as pseudo leading-line/trailing stratiform system moves northward along the Florida coast. Coverage of heavy rain is significantly less after midday data gap. Scattered light showers along with widely scattered moderate precip persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0004-1236 Z 1954-2046 Z 2246-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0042Z(327 km), 0356Z(608 km), 0532Z(105 km) 2330Z(29 km) QC notes: 0109-0139Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0524-0747Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0847-1236Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1056Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 1103Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_ in_1C.hdf directory 1954-2040Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2046Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 17 Sep 98: Early on, KMLB scope contains significant mass of moderate precipitation and embedded convection moving northward over the Atlantic, along with scattered light rain throughout the rest of the scope. Convection east of radar intensifies and increases in coverage after 03Z, but remains offshore through 08Z. After 08Z, line of convection begins nosing northward over Florida. Convection weakens as it continues to move to the north, but rain is still moderate and of significant areal coverage. After 14Z, precip east of the radar is joined by a convective complex moving into range from the west. Strong convection and widespread stratiform rain fills in rapidly over Florida. Strong convection moves over KMLB around 20Z. Heavy rain event continues through the close of the day. Data processed: 0002-1203 Z 1404-1751 Z 1937-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0106Z(643 km), 0243Z(750 km), 0420Z(268 km), 0556Z(706 km), 2353Z(413 km) QC notes: 1056Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. 1459-1516Z: corrupt volume scans containing meaningless data -----> corrected by moving vos's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1539Z: corrupt volume scan containing meaningless data -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1751Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 2007-2356Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 18 Sep 98: Early on, large, but slowly weakening, convective system with trailing stratiform region continues moving off to the east and out to sea. Almost all significant rain associated with this complex is out of range by 0330Z. As convection dances along the southern and eastern fringe of the radar scope, another system begins peeking in from the southwest around 0730Z. Unfortunatley, it doesn't materialize at this time and only significant preci continues to be scattered convection off of Florida's east coast. By 18Z, convection does begin to rapidly fire and mov into range out of the southwest. By 20Z, east central Florida has another heavy rain event on it's hands as abundant, strong convection blankets the radar scope. A broken-line of convection can be discerned along the Florida coast by 2130Z, as it moves off to the east, leaving stratiform rain in it's wake. Convection continues to fire and move in from the west behind this first wave of convection and the heavy rain continues through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0307Z(548 km), 0443Z(228 km), 2241Z(83 km) QC notes: 0001-0155Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0115-0220Z: weak AP remaining W of radar 2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> much improved, but some splotches of weak AP remain, particularly near the radar. * AP RANGE: ~20 km from radar 0530Z: weak/moderate AP remaining radar -----> corrected 1129Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 2012-2347Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 19 Sep 98: Convection which intiated the day before still a strong presence as this day begins. One convective cluster continues to move out of range to the east while another cluster, with appreciable moderate stratiform region, moves in from the east. Light showers are also scattered about the scope. By 05Z, convection has either dissipated or moved out of range, but stratiform rain still persists (although it's coverage is quickly shrinking). Very little precip present within range by 08Z. Other than some widely scattered activity east of the radar, lull in activity persists until 15Z, when another large convective complex begins to enter the radar scope from the west and southwest. Rapid development ensues as another pseudo "leading- line/trailing stratiform" system treks across the scope. Numerous strong convective cells, a moderate stratiform region, and widespread significant rainfall batter the region until roughly 22Z, when most of the intense convection is a considerable distance from shore as is the associated stratiform precipitation. Moderate stratiform rain out over the Atlantic along with new convection moving in from the west are still present as the day closes. Data processed: 0002-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0017Z(689 km), 0154Z(721 km), 0331Z(170 km), 2128Z(333 km), 2305Z(492 km) QC notes: 0022-0232Z: scattered weak AP/CAE remaining -----> corrected 0136Z: NE sector missing radar data -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 0332-0432Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0457-0542Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 0517-0532Z: weak/moderate AP splotches remaining SSW of radar -----> corrected 1123Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1546-2154Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ******************************************************************************************* 20 Sep 98: Light to moderate showers present westo fo the radar early on. By 09Z, the light showers are joined by a thin, quasi-stationary line od convection which develops N-S over the Atlantic. Line intensifies but moves further out of range, but shower activity west of the radar gains some strength by 1230Z. By 15Z, convection is now also present west of the radar, as the whole precip complex moves to the east, towards the radar. By 18Z, most of Florida within range is under either strong convection or moderate stratiform as another heavy rain event is upon the KMLB region. Heavy rain, mainly south of the radar, persists through the end of the available data on this day. Data processed: 0004 Z 0419-1929 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0219Z(475 km), 0355Z(362 km), 2152Z(192 km) 2329Z(728 km) QC notes: 0419-0714Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 1052Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1314-1534Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 1524-1614Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1649-1734Z: small hole in precip over radar ----> corrected 1709-1849Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 1929Z: massive precipitation removal -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 21 Sep 98: Rapidly decaying convection and stratiform rain present early on. Almost all significant precipitation has dissipated by 05Z, leaving only widely scattered and very weak showers. Lull in activity ends around 16Z, when new convection enters the scope from the west. Strength and coverage of convective activity increases rapidly over Florida. By 20Z, numerous strong convective cells and small clusters line up north to south along the coast, streaming stratiform rain out behind them. A few clearly visible gust fronts present after 21Z as convection continues to move to the east. Widespread rain (many areas locally heavy) persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0250-2351 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0106Z(680 km), 0243Z(59 km), 2040Z(200 km), 2217Z(562 km) QC notes: 0250-0810Z: scattered weak CAE remaining (some embedded in light precipitation) 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> improved, but much of the CAE could not be removed since it is embedded in light precip (hence the 'choppy' appearance of the echoes as AP is either embedded or picked up along the fringe of light showers) * AP RANGE: embedded AP remains 50-150 km from radar 1120Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1520Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 2035Z: precip-eating mode -----> corrected 2041-2211Z: small hole in precip over radar -----> corrected 2336-2351Z: weak AP splotch remaining near radar 3B !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove weak splotch due to deep vertical extent of false AP...hence the minor flag * AP RANGE: ~30 km from radar ********************************************************************************************* 22 Sep 98: Widepsread, but rapidly decaying, convection and stratiform present early on. By 0130Z, all convection has dissipated and stratiform is losing it's punch quickly as well. By 04Z, all significant rain has disappeared, leaving only widely-scattered, very light showers. Rapidly firing convection begins creeping into range from the west after 16Z. An ill-defined squall line, containing scattered strong cells, is present within range after 1730Z, heading southeast trailing a broken stratiform region in its wake. Line breaks apart and weakens by 20Z, leaving scattered convection and showers behind which persist through the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0130Z(394 km), 0307Z(502 km), 1928Z(671 km), 2104Z(291 km) QC notes: 0000-0719Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate AP/CAE remaining (often embedded in light precip) 1A,2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> slightly improved but the combination of widespread CAE and widespread light showers was too difficult for this algorithm. Almost all standalone AP was removed by the new QC parameters. However, some intense splotches still exist which could not be removed without removing precip as well. The showers which exist during this time period look very "ragged" due to the ability of CAE to hug the edge of these showers and be immune to the algorithm. Furthermore, a lot of the CAE that still remains is embedded in light showers. If there is even the smallest hint of precip echo in the secon-tilt, the CAE in that same region will not be removed either. The CAE is, for the most part, weak but the showers are also weak which means the latter can not effectively mask the former. In all, a very frustrating time period from a QC standpoint. * AP RANGE: scattered about and embedded from 40-150 km 1012-1207Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining SSW of radar -----> corrected 1227-1232Z: weak AP splotches remaining WNW of radar -----> corrected 1954-2247Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2345-2355Z: weak AP /CAE splotches remaining 3B !!FLAG!! -----> improved but like first flag of this day, CAE is being picked up along fringe of precip and is unremovable, unless precip is removed as well. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~25-70 km from radar ********************************************************************************************* 23 Sep 98: Early on, decaying convection south of the radar continues its trend as it slips out of range by 0130Z. Scattered convection begins to fire again around 16Z, after a long lull in activity. Numerous convective cells with locally heavy rain persist through the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0018Z(631 km), 0154Z(57 km), 1952Z(74 km), 2128Z(623 km) QC notes: 0005-0120Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP/CAE remaining (often embedded in precip) 1B,2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> slightly improved but most of the CAE that survived initial processing and the default parameters did so because it was embedded in light precip which contained a whisper of echo in the second tilt scan. Little could be done to improve this problem without blowing way all precip as well. Therefore, weak, moderate, and at times, intense AP/CAE still exist in embedded AP....hence the flags. * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~30-120 km 0142-1540Z: widespread weak/moderate to horrifically intense AP remaining (no precip present) -----> corrected 1136Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1545-2130Z: widespread weak AP splotches remaining -----> much improved and almost completely corrected, except the time period detailed in the following flag: 1B,2B,3B !!FLAG!! -----> 1745-2000Z: weak AP splotches remaining SW of radar which could not be removed without removing precip as well. * AP RANGE: ~130-150 km from radar 2210-2235Z: gust front remnants remaining W of radar 2B-,3B- !!FLAG!! -----> could not remove gust front remnants without removing light or even moderate precipitation as well. This is considered a very minor flag since the gust front remnants are barely discernible, of little areal coverage, and are very short-lived. 2335-2355Z: weak/moderate CAE remaining (some embedded in precip) 3B+ !!FLAG!! -----> only slightly improved since most of the CAE is embedded in light precip. Some of the CAE is of moderate intensity....hence the flag of elevated severity ********************************************************************************************* 24 Sep 98: Scattered convection continues to race off to the west early on. By 0130Z, the now decaying storms near Orlando are joined by scattered convection over the Atlantic, which are also moving towards to the east. By 04Z, the cells over the ocean have incxreased a bit in coverage while the storms west of the radar are now out of range. Scattered convection with locally heavy rain continue in this onshore flow regime through the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2355 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0042Z(303 km), 0218Z(651 km), 1839Z(521 km), 2016Z(383 km), 2329Z(570 km) QC notes: 0000-0615Z: weak/moderate AP/CAE remaining (often embedded in light precip) -----> improved, but problems with CAE embedded in light showers still an unresolved dilemma (nothing can be done to remove embedded AP without removing prcip as well). See the following flags: 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0000-0010Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in light precip W of radar * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40-80 km 1A !!FLAG!! -----> 0015-0110Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in light precip W of radar * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40-125 km 1A-,2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 0115-0250Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in light precip W of radar * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~50-150 km 1123Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory ********************************************************************************************** 25 Sep 98: Scattered convection continues to stream in from the Atlantic early on. Stronger convection north of the radar is just about out of range by 01Z, but more activity is entering the southern edge of the scope around the same time. By 03Z, a thin but unbroken line of convection enters the field of view from the SE, moving towards NW (a shift from the direct E-W onshore flow of the previous day). Line breaks down and weakens by 06Z, leaving only scattered cells for the time being. A couple new convective clusters (not too intense) enter the scope from the SE near 08Z, following the same NW track. Like previous convection though, these clusters weaken before KMLB is reached, but they are joined by more numerous, scattered cells off the coast by 09Z. By 10Z, another convective cluster with locally heavy rain enters from the SE, heading off to the NW. By 13Z, the cluster is joined by more widespread convection (along with some stratiform rain) south of the radar. Convection increases in strength and coverage through 15Z and is joined by some weak "popcorn" cells NW of the radar, as the entire scope starts filling with sporadic rain (most of it south of the radar being heavy). Around 1530Z, the convective cells just south of KMLB show a hint of lining up (although still widely spaced) and sure enough, by 18Z, a broken E-W line of convection is centered over KMLB, joined by many unorganized both N and S of the line. By 20Z, two distinct convective systems dump copious amounts of rain over points E and S of the radar. The scope fills in with widespread stratiform rain and convection (although the stratiform is now the dominate feature) which continues through the end of the day. Data processed: 0000-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0106Z(184 km), 1903Z(44 km), 2040Z(674 km), 2217Z(732 km), 2353Z(206 km) QC notes: 0935-1005Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1222Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1710-1842Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 1748Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 2007-2052Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected 2122-2332Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 26 Sep 98: Numerous bands of strong convection throughout the day which move from SE to NW across the scope as they rotate around Hurricane Georges located in the Gulf of Mexico. Coverage of convection is more widespread before 02Z and after 18Z. Data processed: 0002-2358 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1751Z(383 km), 1927Z(464 km), 2241Z(503 km) QC notes: 1121Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory 1314-1402Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************* 27 Sep 98: Convective cluster moving off to the NW early on. After 02Z, widely scattered showers the only form of rain through the end of the day (nothing too significant). Data processed: 0003-2356 Z Satellite Coinicidence: 0017Z(312 km), 1815Z(154 km), 1951Z(715 km), 2128Z(696 km) QC notes: 1158-1213Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar -----> corrected 2356Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************** 28 Sep 98: Scattered showers off and on throughout the day (nothing too signifcant). Data processed: 0001-2357 Z Satellite Coincidence: 0253Z(246 km), 1839Z(538 km), 2153Z(424 km), 2329Z(452 km) QC notes: 0001Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar -----> corrected 0111Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar -----> corrected 0254-0324Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining (no precip present within range) -----> corrected 1828-2357Z: scattered weak Ap splotches -----> corrected ********************************************************************************************** 29 Sep 98: Scattered showers and convection on and off throughout the day (a little more coverage than previous days but still nothing too significant). Data processed: 0002-2356 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1550Z(724 km), 1726Z(256 km), 1903Z(747 km), 2040Z(650 km), 2217Z(15 km) QC notes: 0002-0556Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining -----> corrected 1130-1823Z: removal of light precipitation -----> corrected 2300-2356Z: horrifically intense AP remaining SSE of radar -----> much improved, but a few volume scans still contain intense AP which could not be removed without removing significant precipitation as well. See the following flags: 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 2311Z: intense AP splotches remaining * AP RANGE: ~130-150 km from radar 3A !!FLAG!! -----> 2321Z: intense AP splotches remaining * AP RANGE: ~140 km from radar 2A,3A !!FLAG!! -----> 2331-2341Z: intense AP splotches remaining * AP RANGE: +130-150 km from radar *********************************************************************************************** 30 Sep 98: Scattered and quickly dissipating convective cells present early on are completely gone by 02Z. No precipitation present until after 10Z when some scattered cells develop over the Atlantic and the hint of something more dramatic moves in from the west. Small cells over the ocean align themsleves into a thin line of convection by 15Z, as they continue to stream off to the north. Convection finally enters KMLB range from the west by 18Z. Convection is soon outnumbered by moderate stratiform precipitation but unfortunately, most of the activity is present north of the radar range. Scattered convection and stratiform rain persists through the end of the day. Data processed: 0001-2359 Z Satellite Coincidence: 1614Z(120 km), 1750Z(601 km), 2104Z(339 km), 2240Z(594 km) QC notes: 0001Z: horrifically intense AP remaining S of radar 3A -----> improved but two intense AP splotches still remain within range of the radar. Moved vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar 0006-0406Z: scattered weak/moderate AP splotches remaining -----> corrected 1106Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan -----> corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory. ***********************************************************************************************