The radar at NWS Phoenix (KIWA) is currently out-of-service due to its dual-polarization upgrade. The KIWA radar is one of the first that the NWS will upgrade across the country. While the enhanced hail detection capabilities will not come into play very often out here, improved rain rates will probably be measured at close ranges over the Phoenix metro area. The radar may also be able to delineate the rain/snow line accurately over higher terrain during winter storms. It will also be very interesting to observe what kind of polarization signals the frequent chaff releases from the DoD ranges produce. The following announcement is from the NWS:
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Dual-Polarization Upgrade to NWS Phoenix Doppler Radar in May 2011
Updated: 10:00 AM May 12, 2011
The National Weather Service in Phoenix is pleased to announce that the much-anticipated installation process of the Dual-Polarization Radar upgrade to the KIWA WSR-88D, located at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will occur during the next two weeks, between May 17th and approximately May 25th. The KIWA radar will be one of the first in the nation to receive this upgrade, with all WSR-88Ds to be upgraded through 2011-2012. This important technology will greatly expand the amount of data types and radar products available to users. It is important to note that during the entire time of installation, the radar will be offline, beginning Tuesday May 17th. Nearby radars (Yuma, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Phoenix TDWR) will provide continued coverage during the upgrade. On-line Dual-Pol Training Available!.
see http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/pns/2011/May/dualPol.php
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