Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE)

Timely and accurate Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) are essential for forecasting stream flow particularly for flash floods and localized urban flooding.

Radar and rain Gauge based QPE is being used in this prediction system for determining:

• How hard it is raining
• How much rain has fallen in the intermediate past

QPE fields are being used in this prediction system:

• As input for quantitative precipitation nowcasting algorithms (Autonowcaster and Trident system)
• As input to the hydrology model (WRF-Hydro)
• For evaluation of radar-based QPE compared to rain gauge measurements of precipitation
• For verification of NWP precipitation forecasts

A variety of QPE techniques are being tested. Details of these techniques can be found at: Radar_QPE_processing.pdf