Operational multiple-Doppler wind retrieval inferred from long-range radial velocity measurements

The recent deployment of an innovative triple pulse rise time (PRT) scheme within the French operational radar network allows for the simultaneous collection of reflectivity and radial velocity measurements up to a range of 250 km with no ambiguity. This achievement brings new perspectives in terms of operational exploitation of Doppler measurements including the capability to consistently perform multiple-Doppler wind synthesis in a fully operational framework. Using real and simulated Doppler observations, the authors show that the 3D wind fields retrieved in that framework can definitely be relied upon to achieve a consistent and detailed mapping of the airflow structure in various precipitation regimes despite radar baselines averaging ~180 km and very limited scanning strategies. This achievement could be easily transposed to other operational networks and represents a remarkable opportunity to add further value to operational Doppler velocity measurements.