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Differential reflectivity (ZDR$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}} $$) columns were observed using a Met Office three‐dimensional radar composite. An algorithm for automatic detection of ZDR$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}} $$ columns was developed, based on ZDR≥1.0$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}}\ge 1.0 $$ dB and ZH≥10$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{H}}\ge 10 $$ dBZ. Across three case days, detected ZDR$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}} $$ columns were found to precede severe convection in tracked convective cells with a range of lead times from 0 to 20 min depending on the case day. Requiring maxima above 1.4 dB and 30 dBZ of ZDR$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}} $$ and ZH$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{H}} $$ respectively was an appropriate second condition for all three cases although the skill in the early detection of severe convection varied across case days. Despite the high probability of detections, the high false alarm rate accompanied by low critical success index and data latency limit performance based on the three cases considered in this study. Nevertheless, the ability to detect ZDR$$ {Z}_{\mathrm{DR}} $$ columns in operational radar data with a useful lead time prior to severe convection in certain conditions is a promising development towards advancing nowcasting of severe convection in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]