Automatic designation of the melting layer with a polarimetric prototype of the WSR-88D radar

A new polarimetric melting layer detection algorithm (MLDA) is utilized to estimate the top (melting level) and bottom boundaries of the melting layer and is tailored for operational deployment. Melting layer designations from a polarimetric prototype of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) in central Oklahoma are validated using radiosonde and model temperature analysis. It is demonstrated that the MLDA estimates the top of the melting layer with a root-mean-square error of about 200 m within 60 km of the radar. There is evidence that the polarimetric radar might yield better spatial and temporal designation of the melting layer within the storm than that obtained from existing numerical model output and soundings.