determination On the DWD quantitative precipitation analysis and nowcasting system for real-time application in German flood risk management

Quantitative precipitation analyses and forecasts with high temporal and spatial resolution are essential for hydrological applications in the context of flood risk management. Therefore, the Deutscher Wetterdienst, together with representatives of the water management authorities of the German federal states have developed high-resolution quantitative precipitation analysis and nowcast products based on the combination of surface precipitation observations and weather radar-based precipitation estimates. Gauge adjustment is performed hourly, making use of 16 operational radar systems and approximately 1300 conventional precipitation measurement devices. The nowcast algorithm is based on the advection of precipitation elements based on the mapping of precipitation patterns in successive image data. The subsequent quantification makes use of the latest adjustment process. Additional information about the precipitation phase, required for the determination of the discharge efficiency of precipitation, is retrieved by combining various observational and model data with the radar-based forecasts. The nowcasting system is supplemented by a qualitative hail forecast.