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Only on 13: A first look at the next generation of weather radar technology

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  The 13 Alert Radar network is today's most powerful radar technology. But this summer, the next generation of weather radars is being developed and field-tested in Tornado Alley.


Revolutionary Radar System Horus Promises to Transform Severe Weather Forecasting


In the heart of Oklahoma, where tornadoes and severe storms are a way of life, scientists at the National Weather Center in Norman are pioneering a groundbreaking advancement in weather technology. A new radar system named Horus is under development, poised to revolutionize how we detect, track, and predict dangerous weather events. This innovative tool, drawing its name from the ancient Egyptian sky god often depicted with the head of a falcon, symbolizes vigilance and far-reaching vision—qualities that perfectly encapsulate its mission to provide unprecedented insights into atmospheric phenomena.

The National Weather Center, a hub for meteorological research that includes collaborations between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Oklahoma, and other institutions, has long been at the forefront of storm prediction. Norman, Oklahoma, is no stranger to extreme weather; it's located in the infamous Tornado Alley, where supercell thunderstorms can spawn twisters with little warning. Current radar systems, like the widely used WSR-88D (Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler), have served admirably since their deployment in the 1990s, but they have limitations. These traditional radars scan the sky mechanically, rotating antennas that take several minutes to complete a full volumetric scan. In fast-evolving severe weather scenarios, such as rapidly intensifying tornadoes or flash floods, those minutes can mean the difference between timely warnings and devastating surprises.

Enter Horus, a next-generation radar that leverages phased-array technology to overcome these shortcomings. Unlike conventional radars that rely on a single, rotating dish, phased-array radars use an array of fixed antennas that can electronically steer beams in multiple directions almost instantaneously. This allows Horus to scan the entire volume of the atmosphere in a fraction of the time—potentially as little as 30 seconds per full scan, compared to the 4-6 minutes required by current systems. The result? Real-time data that captures the rapid evolution of storms with far greater precision.

At its core, Horus is designed to provide meteorologists with a more detailed, three-dimensional view of weather systems. It can detect subtle changes in wind patterns, precipitation intensity, and even the formation of rotation within clouds that signal tornado development. This enhanced resolution is crucial for identifying hazards like hail, heavy rainfall, and wind shear at lower altitudes, which are often missed or inadequately captured by existing radars. Researchers involved in the project emphasize that Horus isn't just about speed; it's about intelligence. The system incorporates advanced algorithms and machine learning to process vast amounts of data, filtering out noise and highlighting critical features that could indicate imminent threats.

The development of Horus is a collaborative effort, funded in part by federal grants and supported by partnerships with private tech firms specializing in radar engineering. Engineers at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), a key component of the National Weather Center, have been testing prototypes in controlled environments and during actual storm events. Initial field tests have shown promising results, with Horus demonstrating the ability to track storm cells with pinpoint accuracy, even in cluttered environments like urban areas where radar echoes can be distorted by buildings or terrain.

One of the most exciting aspects of Horus is its potential to improve public safety. In regions prone to severe weather, early warnings save lives. According to experts at the center, the faster scanning capabilities could extend warning lead times by several minutes, giving residents more time to seek shelter. For instance, during a hypothetical tornado outbreak, Horus could detect the formation of a mesocyclone—the rotating updraft that precedes a tornado—much earlier than current radars. This would allow forecasters to issue targeted alerts, perhaps even specifying the exact path and intensity of the threat.

Beyond tornadoes, Horus has applications in a wide array of weather forecasting challenges. It could enhance predictions for flash floods by better monitoring rainfall rates in real time, helping to prevent tragedies like those seen in urban flooding events. In aviation, the radar's ability to detect wind shear and turbulence could make air travel safer, reducing delays and risks at airports. Even in non-severe weather scenarios, such as monitoring winter storms or hurricanes, Horus's high-resolution data could refine models used for long-term forecasts, contributing to more accurate climate predictions.

The project's lead scientists have shared insights into the technical innovations driving Horus. "We're essentially building a radar that thinks like a meteorologist," one researcher explained in a recent briefing. By integrating polarimetric capabilities—measuring the shape and orientation of precipitation particles—Horus can distinguish between rain, hail, snow, and even debris lofted by tornadoes. This differentiation is vital for issuing precise warnings; for example, knowing whether a storm is producing large hail allows emergency managers to advise on protective measures for vehicles and structures.

Development hasn't been without challenges. Phased-array technology, while advanced, is complex and expensive. Scaling Horus for nationwide deployment would require significant investment, potentially in the billions, to replace or augment the existing network of over 150 WSR-88D radars across the United States. There's also the need to ensure compatibility with current systems during the transition phase, avoiding any gaps in coverage that could compromise safety. Researchers are addressing these issues through iterative testing, including simulations that mimic extreme weather conditions.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Center envisions Horus as part of a broader "radar renaissance." Plans include integrating it with other emerging technologies, such as satellite imagery, ground-based sensors, and AI-driven predictive models. This multi-faceted approach could create a seamless weather intelligence network, where data from Horus feeds into national forecasting centers in real time, enhancing everything from daily weather apps to disaster response strategies.

The implications extend beyond the U.S. borders. International partners, including weather agencies in Europe and Asia, have expressed interest in the technology, recognizing its potential for global applications in typhoon tracking, monsoon prediction, and even wildfire monitoring through improved detection of atmospheric moisture and wind patterns. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, tools like Horus represent a critical step toward resilience.

Community engagement is another focus of the project. The National Weather Center has hosted public demonstrations and educational sessions in Norman, allowing residents to see Horus in action and understand its benefits. Local schools have incorporated the radar's development into STEM curricula, inspiring the next generation of meteorologists and engineers. This outreach underscores the human element: technology like Horus isn't just about machines; it's about protecting families, homes, and livelihoods in storm-prone areas.

As development progresses, the team aims to have a fully operational prototype ready for extensive field trials within the next few years. If successful, Horus could begin rolling out to high-risk areas, starting with Tornado Alley, and gradually expand nationwide. The excitement among scientists is palpable; this isn't merely an upgrade—it's a paradigm shift in how we observe and respond to the skies.

In summary, Horus embodies the fusion of ancient inspiration with cutting-edge science, offering hope for a future where severe weather's fury can be anticipated and mitigated more effectively than ever before. As the project advances, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity in the face of nature's unpredictability, potentially saving countless lives and reshaping the field of meteorology for decades to come.

Read the Full abc13 Article at:
[ https://abc13.com/post/new-radar-horus-is-being-developed-national-weather-center-norman-oklahoma/17337673/ ]