Rad4Alp:

Renewal and expansion of the MeteoSwiss weather radar network

The MeteoSwiss Rad4Alp project has been started to renew the current weather radar network with a state-of-the-art solution taking into account the latest developments in research and technology. The new C-band radars will be all equipped with polarimetric Doppler technology. To improve radar coverage and increase the data quality, in the inner Alpine regions of Graubunden and Valais two additional high-altitude radar stations are planned in addition to the three existing sites.

Highlights and challenges of the new MeteoSwiss radar network:

• State-of-the-art polarimetric Doppler radars
• Digital receiver mounted on the antenna
• Two additional operational radars at high altitude around 3000 m ASL
• Operational use of radar polarimetry in complex Alpine orography
• Operational availability of more than 97% for all radars 

The weather radar network is an important element for the safety and protection of the population. It allows the comprehensive, detailed, real-time monitoring of precipitation events over the whole Switzerland and therefore forms an essential basis for weather forecasting and warnings. The renewed and extended radar network will give a substantial contribution to the improvement of short-term hydro-meteorological warnings of the population.