Paducah Gets Weather System Upgrade

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Credit Paducah National Weather Service

Paducah’s National Weather Service Forecast office will soon receive new radar technology. The nearly 20-year-old dome will be popped open today for upgrades designed to generate new, high-quality radar data. The Paducah Sun reports the upgraded technology will give meteorologists the ability to scan approaching weather systems more accurately in addition to creating a clearer radar picture for impending emergency situations.

The current Doppler system transmits and receives horizontal radio wave pulses at approaching weather systems, and can therefore provide only one-dimensional pictures of clouds and precipitation. The upgrade means the radar can transmit pulses both horizontally and vertically, resulting in more detail.