Missing radar data from Langley Hill, WA, USA

[nbiciunas]

It appears that the radar data from Langley Hill in Washington state USA is not being displayed.

Current data from source:

Current radar composite from Windy:

There is a stong frontal band visible in the data from NWS (https://www.weather.gov/zse/Radars?&r=NWSatx&)
But only radar data from distant stations are present in the Windy radar layer.

I hope this helps

[Filip_K]

Hi @nbiciunas, we are currently using QCd Composite Reflectivity as our source of data.
For west coast, it indeed isn't optimal. This is what it currently looks like in comparison with Base Reflectivity from KLGX (Langley Hill site):

We are working on different approach for processing data from NWS, which might help with this issue as well.

[nbiciunas]

@Filip_K Thanks for the reply. I understand that there are different kinds of radar presentations.

I would also like to add one more perspective to the issue: Most if not all radar products contain artifacts in their dispaly. In the PNW, some of the most interesting artifacts are caused by our steep topography. They are essentially "shadows" in the radar data and usually take the form of linear features that radiate away from the radar station location. I tried to capture a few in these images. They are especially easy to see in animated playbacks where the radar returns are moving, because in large part, the rays do not move.

In the second image (Windy), I can see clear rays pointing to Portland, OR, Everett, WA and Vancouver, BC - but none to Langley Hill, WA (and very little precip showing in the area of Langley Hill.

The first image from another radar map clearly has rays originating at Langley Hill as well as a stronger precipitation return in that local area.

[nbiciunas]

@Filip_K I hear what you are saying about Base vs Composite reflectivity. There is a real difference between the two, with composite being a representation of a "deeper" slice of the atmosphere. In general, a composite view should reflect a larger volume of any given weather feature.

I am not trying to be a pest, but I am still convince that Windy is missing out on ALL data (not just a different slice) from Langley Hill.

There is a very significant precipitation event currently happening off the west coast of Washington, and it just doesn't show on the Windy radar - Specifically in the vicinity of Aberdeen on the first screen capture.

On the second image, from NWS radar page, the full extent of this system is more fairly represented.

[Filip_K]

@nbiciunas said in Missing radar data from Langley Hill, WA, USA:

In general, a composite view should reflect a larger volume of any given weather feature

Yes, exactly. It is unfortunate, that composite reflectivity doesn't contain everything it should. As we currently rely only on composite reflectivity from NWS, there unfortunately isn't much we can do now.

Hopefully, in the near future (when processing of raw data from radars is implemented on our side) this issue will get resolved.

[nbiciunas]

@Filip_K
Composite reflectivity for Langley Hill radar: (source - https://a.atmos.washington.edu/nexrad/nexrad_LGX.html)

Radar as represented in Windy: "As we currently rely only on composite reflectivity from NWS"

There is a significant front off the WA coast right now. The north end is being picked up by the radar station in Everett, and the southern end is seen by Portland, but there is a big gap in the area offshore of the SW WA coast.

I understand that there are subtle differences in Base vs Composite, but the gap I am referring to now is the difference between a Windy version that shows almost no radar returns for the entire SW WA coastal area, vs a significant precip band (that is well represented on every other radar map that I can find).

Accuweather:

The Weather Channel:

https://atmos.uw.edu/current-weather/northwest-radar/:

WeatherUnderground:

[Filip_K]

Hi @nbiciunas, I've added processing of raw NEXRAD data from Langley Hill site. It is temporary solution until raw NEXRAD data processing from all US radars is implemented on our side.

If you still see issues from now on, feel free to let me know.

[nbiciunas]

@Filip_K
Thanks for the fix. We have had a dry stretch here, so the change was not obvious.
It is now that the rain is back.

Nice coverage for the west coast of Washington state.
The artifacts over the Langley Hill station are even apparent (the little green spot and some concentric circles out-bound).

Thanks again.

[Filip_K]

Hi @nbiciunas, I'm glad it is finally resolved. Thank you for your patience.