Site log - Melbourne (July 1998)

Flags:

1-Satellite coincidence data
2-Scan in TSDIS data
3-Scan not in TSDIS data
A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage)
B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very litte coverage)

***************************************************************************************************

01 Jul 98:    Convective cluster to NNW and large patch of stratiform to the W until 03Z, then
	      both areas of precip die off.  Obvious echoes associated w/ wildfires to N after
              15Z.  Also some scattered convective cells after ~16Z.

              Data processed:  0002-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1439Z(649 km), 1615Z(304 km), 1929Z(622 km),
                                      2105Z(75 km) 

              QC notes:  0002-0012Z:  Radial spike to NE.  
       3B+    !!FLAG!!         ---->  Spike remnants difficult to remove in 0002 and
				      0007Z VOS's.  Further increasing params removes
			              more precip than it's worth.  Using 0017Z in 
				      1C.HDF instead of 0002-0012Z.
                         0017-0312Z:  Perhaps some spurious echo to N due to wildfires
				      mixed in w/ legitimate precipitation.  
                               ---->  Corrected, except for following flags:
       3A-    !!FLAG!!        0042Z:  Radial spike to W behind/near stratiform precip.
   2B, 3B     !!FLAG!!   0152-0232Z:  Some intense specks embedded in light precip, 
                                      possibly due to wildfire remnants? 
                         1010-1356Z:  Assorted AP problems.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         1435-1534Z:  Smoke from wildfires to N.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         1539-2044Z:  Smoke from wildfires & scattered precip.
                               ---->  Some VOSs corrected, some not...see flags below.
                                      The main problem here is that the smoke plumes
				      develop vertically and are difficult to remove
				      w/o wiping out all the precip.  If the precip
				      was all light, this period would be almost 
				      impossible to improve upon.
         1A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  1624-1639Z:  Moderate/intense wilfire echo. 
 1A, 2A, 3A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  1649-1859Z:  Moderate/intense wilfire echo. 
                                                   1A flag pertains only to 1859Z.
                         2049-2359Z:  Smoke from wildfires...some precip outside 150 km.
                               ---->  Corrected.

                               Note:  Including 0017Z in 1C.HDF instead of 0002-0012Z.

***************************************************************************************************

02 Jul 98:    Scattered, light echoes through 09Z.  Scattered convection after data gap 
	      from 2028Z through end of the day.  Also some smoke plumes from fires from
	      2028Z onwards.  Clutter filter applied between 0305-0310Z?
              

              Data processed:  0004-1225 Z
                               2028-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:   1503Z(56 km), 1639Z(631 km), 1953Z(290 km),
				       2129Z(671 km)

              QC notes:  0004-0024Z:  Light to moderate wildfire echoes to N.  Also a
				      spike to NW at 0009 and 0014Z in second tilt.
                               ---->  Corrected. 
                              0110Z:  AP speck to N w/ light precip.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         0125-0230Z:  AP specks to N and NW w/ light precip.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                              0245Z:  AP speck to N w/ light precip nearby.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         0330-0355Z:  Light radial spike remnants w/ light precip.
                               ---->  Corrected.  A few very minor, light specks
                                      may remain.
                         0400-0410Z:  Light radial spike remnants w/ light precip.
				      A few intense AP specks to SE, but appear to
				      be outside 150 km.
                               ---->  Corrected.   
                         0513-0523Z:  AP specks to SW w/ light precip nearby.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         0543-0820Z:  AP specks and a few light radial specks
				      scattered in S half.  Light precip still
			              evident during this period.
                               ---->  Much better in some VOSs than the first
				      pass, but the following VOSs are still
				      flagged due to AP speck contamination:
         3A-  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0622Z:  AP specks possibly w/in 150 km.
         2A-  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0701Z:  AP specks possibly w/in 150 km.
         3A-  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0711Z:  AP specks w/in 150 km.
         2A-  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0800Z:  AP specks w/in 150 km.
         2A-  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0820Z:  AP specks w/in 150 km.
                         0909-1225Z:  Scattered specks and patches of light to
				      intense AP...no precip in lowest tilt. 
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         2028-2356Z:  Moderate intensity wildfire contamination to N, plus
				      periods of moderate to intense AP.  Flags follow:
    2B+, 3B+  !!FLAG!!         ---->  2028-2051Z:  Intense fire echo at 2028Z outside 150 km
                                                   ...otherwise  a few light to moderate fire 
				                   echoes to N that can't be removed w/o
                                                   affecting precip. 
         1A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  2056-2126Z:  Intense AP to S embedded w/in precip.  
                                                   Also an intense AP spike to SE can't be
				                   removed.  A few fire echoes, too.
         1B+  !!FLAG!!         ---->  2131-2141Z:  AP subsides, but still some fire.
         1A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  2146-2151Z:  AP to SE & some fire remnants.
 1B, 2B, 3B   !!FLAG!!         ---->  2156-2356Z:  Some light to moderate echoes related to 
                                                   fire to N.  A few intense echoes to NNW are 
				                   outside 150 km.  Kept as a minor flag since it
				                   appears that there are a few precip cells
				                   w/in the smoke plume to N.  

***************************************************************************************************

03 Jul 98:    Region of dissipating convection slides off slowly to SE and dies off by 03Z.  
	      Some fire echoes during this time, too, as well as after 15Z .  Scattered 
              convection pops up after 18Z, often w/in the fire plumes, and persists for 
              the rest of the day.  Wildfire remnants are *very* obvious and make qc a
	      treacherous task.

              Data processed:  0001-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1350Z(501 km), 1527Z(395 km), 1840Z(561 km), 
                                      2017Z(201 km)

              QC notes:  0001-0317Z:  AP, sometimes intense, + wildfire remnants combined w/
				      scattered precip.  The AP is embedded in precip to the S
                                      at times.
                               ---->  Improvements made, but still problems...see flags below. 
          2B+ !!FLAG!!         ---->       0001Z:  Possible fire remnants to N at fairly close 
                                                   range.  Fire signature to extreme NW is outside
                                                   150 km.
      2A, 3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->  0006-0257Z:  A few fire remants.  Intense AP near and 
						   embedded w/in precip to SSE.  Specks not
					           very widespread near end of this period,
					           but still very noticeable and intense.
                         0322-1723Z:  AP w/o precip.  Also a lot of wildfire contamination after
				      ~13Z.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         1733-2301Z:  Echoes from wildfires.  Also some intense AP embedded
				      in precip from 2011-2031Z just S of radar. 
                               ---->  Very difficult combination of events during this period.
	                              Sometimes hard to distinguish smoke/fire echoes from
				      real precip, e.g. after 22Z to the NW when a heavy cell
			              overtakes the point source that had been previously ejecting
			              obvious fire debris.  Also, not all of the precip is heavy
			              convection, so the params can't be increased w/o disregard.
                                      When experimenting w/ the params near 21Z, H1 and H2 were 
				      increased to over 6 km, yet the heavy fire remnants to NW
				      were still intact and only the heavy precip cores remained.  
                                      Was able to tease out some of the AP and fire echo to 
				      improve this period, but some major problems still exist.
                                      With that in mind, the following flags apply to this period:
  1A, 2A, 3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->  1733-1822Z:  Lots of wildfire signature remaining.  A few
				                   scattered precip cells pop up, but they are
					           outnumbered by non-precip fire echoes.
1B+, 2B+,3B+  !!FLAG!!         ---->  1832-1942Z:  Legitimate echoes gain in coverage.  QC is
						   decent, as cores of precip are preserved. 
					           Some residual false echo surrounds many
					           of these cores, though, thus flagged
						   as a problem. 
         1A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  2011-2031Z:  Intense AP to S embedded in precip.  Also
						   some intense echoes from fire to NW that 
					           appear to be w/in 150 km. 
  1A, 2A, 3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->  2036-2256Z:  AP subsides, but wildfire remnants contaminate
				                   CZ product substantially.  The situation gets
				                   better near the end of this period, but still
					           an obvious problem. 
                                      2301-2356Z:  Possible wildfire contamination + AP to SE over ocean.
      2B, 3B  !!FLAG!!         ---->               Corrected the AP, but still may be some leftover fire
				                   echo in precip region that moves over the fires to NW.
                                                   Flagged for this uncertainty.

***************************************************************************************************

04 Jul 98:    Dissipating convective remains move to the SE and are negligible in intensity
	      by about 04Z.  A few scattered showers develop between 04-14Z.  More widespread
	      scattered convection develops over land after 16Z and persists through the end of
	      the day.  A decent convective cluster forms to NW late in the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1414Z(60 km), 1551Z(681 km), 1728Z(728 km), 
				      1905Z(191 km)   

              QC notes:  0001-0106Z:  AP specks to SE.
                               ---->  Corrected.  
                              0116Z:  Intense AP speck to N and light AP specks to E.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         0221-0301Z:  Light to intense AP specks to SE.
                               ---->  Corrected, except for flags below:
          3A- !!FLAG!!         ---->  0241-0246Z:  Intense AP speck difficult to remove
						   w/o creating major holes in precip. 
          3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->       0301Z:  Intense AP speck difficult to remove 
                                                   w/o creating major holes in precip.
                                                   Including 0306Z in 1C.HDF instead.
                         0311-0429Z:  Intense AP specks to SSE and SSW.
      2A, 3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->  Intense AP speck difficult to remove w/o creating 
                                      major holes in precip.
                         0434-0459Z:  Intense AP specks.
                               ---->  Corrected.  The precip w/in 150 km has dissipated 
		                      (or is very light and negligible amidst the clutter),
                                      thus everything is eliminated.  
                         0504-0559Z:  More intense AP.  
      2B, 3B  !!FLAG!!         ---->  Corrected the AP by removing everything.  The precip
				      to the extreme NW is safely outside 150 km, but a 
				      few light, small, scattered showers form to S and SW.
                                      Considered these features negligible, thus eliminated
				      everything.  Flagged as minor because of the light
				      showers missing (thought it was a better situation,
			              though, than leaving all of the intense AP).
			 0604-0829Z:  Intense AP specks + small convective cells.
2A,3A,2B,3B   !!FLAG!!         ---->  Improvements made, but AP is too intense to remove
				      while trying to keep in the small cells that form
				      during this time. AP not very widespread, but since
				      precip is so scattered, it's very noticeable. Also
				      some holes created in light precip on the fringes,
				      but this precip is located outside 150 km.  A few
				      VOSs after 08Z aren't as bad, thus the 2B and 3B
				      flags.
			      0953Z:  AP specks to SE.
                               ---->  Corrected.	      	      
                         1905-2028Z:  Suspect echo to NW near 150 km.
                               ---->  Corrected, but still not certain about this 
				      echo. It just 'feels different'. Lots of precip nearby,
				      but the echo in question is reminiscent of the
				      wildfire echoes from previous days.  The QC
				      algorithm does some partial qc'ing of this cell
				      which makes it even more suspect since most
				      of the surrounding precip is unscathed.  Very
				      little vertical structure.  Therefore, removed.   
                                      The following VOSs have some remnants left, though.
           1B !!FLAG!!         ---->       1935Z:  Small piece of strange echo left.
          3A- !!FLAG!!         ---->       2020Z:  Larger chunk of strange echo remaining,
					           plus some clutter near radar picked up.
				                   Weird scenario that required H1 and H2
					           and Z2 to be decreased substantially,
					           otherwise large holes in precip formed.
					           These holes were evident w/ defaults, too. 
                         2103-2128Z:  Embedded AP in light precip to SE at close range.
      2A, 3A  !!FLAG!!         ---->  Can't remove AP since it's embedded.
             

                               NOTE:  Including 0306Z in 1C.HDF instead of 0301Z.
                               
***************************************************************************************************

05 Jul 98:    A large cluster of showers and convection lingers and slowly dissipates over land
              throughout the early part of the day (evening LST).  Isolated convection develops
              at far range W of the radar from 8-10Z.  Scattered convection again develops W
              of radar near 13Z.  This activity increases in coverage and intensity throughout
              the daytime heating hours and continues through the end of the day.
              
              Data Processed:  0004-2356Z
              
              Satellite Coincidence:  1302Z(363 km), 1438Z(474 km), 1752Z(492 km), 1928Z(330 km)
              
              QC notes:  Default QC parameters performed well on this day.
              
                         0009-0014Z:  Weak solar interference spike (sunset) in second tilt image.
                              ---->   Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range
                         0235-0250Z:  Light/moderate AP along the coastline SSE of the radar.
                                      This may prove difficult to remove due to precip at same
                                      range W of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected - AP removed from most VOSs
                                      0235Z - AP is beyond 150 km range and could not be removed.
                              0305Z:  Light patch of AP along coastline SSE of radar.
                              ---->   Corrected
                              1037Z:  Weak solar interference spike (sunrise) in second tilt image.
                              ---->   Corrected - spike removed within 150 km range
                              
***************************************************************************************************                              
06 Jul 98:    Dissipating convection present east of the radar, early on, but is completely gone
              by 05Z.  By 15Z, convection again begins firing over Florida and by 17Z, the cells
              really start popping up all over the penisula.  After the data gap, an impressive
              squall line with a well-developed stratiform region is present over Florida.  This
              heavy rain lasts right through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-1937 Z
                               2322-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1325Z(166km), 1502Z(720 km), 1639Z(691 km), 1816Z( 88 km)

              QC notes:  0046-0051Z: intense AP splotch remaining SE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              0326Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NW of radar (no precip)
                             ----->  corrected
                              0416Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NE of radar (no precip)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0910-1038Z: chaff echo remaining N of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2322-2327Z: moderate/intense AP remaining WNW of radar; some of AP is 
                                     embedded within precip
   3B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved in that all stand-alone AP has been removed.
                                     The VOS's are not completely clean because 2-3 splotches of
                                     moderate AP still remain embedded within the stratiform shield
                                     west of the radar....hence the B+ flag.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP within 100 km
                         2322-2355Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              2327Z: precip-eating mode (~50 km precip hole)
                             ----->  corrected

*************************************************************************************************** 

07 Jul 98:    Early on, leading-line, trailing stratiform squall line system continues to track
              out over the Atlantic. By 0130Z, the squall line is no longer discernible but instead,
              several large, intense clusters of convection now occupy most of the scope east of
              KMLB, along with an appreciable stratiform region. By 04Z, much of the convection has
              dissipated and by 08Z all stratiform precip is gone as well.  The lull in activity is
              short-lived as new convection begins to rapidly regenerate by 1530Z.  Several cell
              mergers lead to 3-4 distinct, intense convective clusters which also put down areas
              of stratiform precipitation.  The heavy rain tracks from east to west and last through
              the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0000-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1213Z(235 km), 1349Z(543 km), 1703Z(418 km), 1839Z(463 km)

              QC notes:  0000-0320Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0005-0035Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining N and NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0145-0210Z: intense AP specks and splotches remaining NW of radar
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP without removing light to moderate precip 
                                     as well.  Therefore, the AP remains and the VOS's are given 
                                     major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP splotches ~90 km from radar
                         0225-0305Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining W of radar
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP without removing light to moderate precip
                                     as well.  Therefore, the AP remains and the VOS's are given
                                     major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP splotches ~90 km from radar
                         0700-0750Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining S of radar; often embedded
                                     in light precip
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  AP specks embedded in light precip which means the false echo
                                     could not be removed without everything, including precip, was
                                     removed as well.  So, the Ap remains and the VOS's are given 
                                     major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP ~100 km from radar
                         0820-0825Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip within
                                     150 km of the radar)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0840-0850Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              0925Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SSE of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1000-1020Z: moderate radial spike remnants remaining N of radar (no precip)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1040Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SE of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1120Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SE of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1810-1825Z: weak/moderate/intense radial spike remnants NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected.  Any AP which remains has been confirmed to be beyond
                                     150 km (with 2A-54 convective/stratiform image) and therefore of
                                     no concern to us.
                         1855-1905Z: weak/moderate radial spike remnants NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected.  The AP remaining in VOS 1905Z is confirmed to be
                                     beyond 150 km and therefore, of no concern.
                         1956-2056Z: moderate to horrifically intense AP remaining W of radar; often
                                     embedded in precip
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that most stand-alone AP was removed but unfortunately,
                                     this is the minority of AP present during this time period.  All
                                     AP embedded within precip remains...and the VOS's receive major 
                                     flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~80-110 km from radar
                         2026-2356Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2111-2121Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP without removing precip as well.  SO, AP     
                                     remains and the VOS's are flagged accordingly.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP splotches located beyond 100 km

*****************************************************************************************************  

08 Jul 98:    Shrinking shield of stratiform rain present early on, as afternoon convection continues
              to wind down.  By 03Z, all precip has either dissipated or moved out of range. 
              Scattered, unorganized convective cells begin to fire over Florida by 12Z.  Cells
              become more numerous by 17Z and eventually merge to form several more intense clusters.
              Convection moves out over the Atlantic and begins winding down by the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0004-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1100Z(710 km), 1237Z(266 km), 1414Z(749 km), 1550Z(645 km),
                                      1727Z(26 km)

              QC notes:  0004-0119Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1214Z: weak AP splotch remaining SSW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2018-2357Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2208-2233Z: intense AP NNW (often embedded in precip) and intense AP 
                                     splotches remaining NW of radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but the intense AP embedded in precip remains and the
                                     VOS's in this time period receive major flags.  VOS 2233Z is
                                     moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km
                         2308-2313Z: intense AP splotch remaining WNW of radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not removed AP splotches without removing light precip
                                     as well...AP remains and the VOS's are given major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP splotches located ~90 km from radar

*****************************************************************************************************

09 Jul 98:    Convective cluster over the Atlanitc early on dissipates and moves out of range by
              03Z.  Widely scattered convection present over the rest of the day, with more coverage
              closer to day's end.

              Data processed:  0002-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1124Z(105 km), 1301Z(609 km), 1615Z(328 km), 1751Z(612 km)

              QC notes:  0002-0137Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP specks and splotches in the
                                     vicinity of KMLB radar
2B+,3B+       !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but some VOS's still contain some specks of AP...hence
                                     the B+ flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: most specks located NW of radar at ~95 km from radar
                         1744-1905Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*****************************************************************************************************

10 Jul 98:    Early on, two weakening convective cells are present SE of the radar and precipitation
              associated with them is over by 04Z.  Only widely scattered convection until a 
              significant MCS system begins moving into range from the NW by 12Z. This large
              complex of showers and convective cells tracks SE across the scope until by 20Z, only
              very weak showers are visible in its wake.

              Data processed:  0004-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1012Z(558 km), 1149Z(361 km), 0248Z(587 km), 1639Z(151 km) 

              QC notes:  1512-1920Z: 10 km ring of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              2005Z: moderate Ap splotch remaining just N of KMLB radar
                             ----->  corrected

*****************************************************************************************************

11 Jul 98:    Widely scattered, off-and-on showers and convective cells for the first half of the
              day.  By 13Z, a less transient conglomeration of convective activity begins moving
              into range from the west and southwest.  By 19Z, several clusters of stronger convection
              get organized over Florida (mainly in the vicinity of the radar).  These clusters
              reach their maximum intensity between 2130-2330Z, as locally heavy rain persists through
              the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1036Z(16 km), 1213Z(663 km), 1350Z(740 km), 1526Z(231 km)

              QC notes:  0136-0251Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining W of radar (no precip
                                     present within 150 km)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1906-2052Z: 10 km hole of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2027-2052Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotch remaining NW to W of radar
 3A,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved in that almost all moderate to intense AP was
                                     removed.  A couple VOS's still contain an occassional speck or
                                     splotch of weak to moderate AP...hence the 3A, 3B flags.  It is
                                     believed that some splotches still exist because they are
                                     embedded in light showers.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  embedded AP within 100 km
                         2107-2122Z: intense AP splotch remaining N of radar
  3A-         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but VOS's 2112 and 2122Z still contain a partial
                                     splotch of moderate to intense AP.  Increased vertical depth
                                     of AP in these two VOS's allows false echo to survive.  Any
                                     more aggressive attempts to remove AP removes precip as well.
                                     So, AP remains and is flagged accordingly.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  AP located within 100 km
                         2352-2357Z: 10 km hole of missing precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*****************************************************************************************************

12 Jul 98:    Early on, rapidly decaying convection present west of KMLB.  All precip from these
              dying cells is finished by 04Z. Scattered convection well out over the Atlantic as   
              well as soem showers at extreme northern ranges the only show in town until ~17Z,
              when strong cells begin firing over Florida.  Rapid intensification and increased
              coverage of convection by 18Z and by 19Z, a full-fledged heavy rain event is
              occurring.  Copious rainfall amounts and heavy convection persist right through
              day's end.

              Data processed:  0002-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0924Z(416 km), 1100Z(445 km), 1414Z(520 km), 1550Z(280 km)

              QC notes:  0157-0202Z: horrifically intense AP remaining W to NW of the radar; mostly
                                     embedded in precipitation
    3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that all stand-alone AP was removed. Unfortunately,
                                     a considerable bit of intense AP remains embedded in precip, of
                                     which nothing can be done to remove it without removing precip
                                     as well...hence the major flag.  VOS 0202Z was moved to the
                                     bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  embedded AP located 90-120 km from radar
                         0217-0332Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining W of radar;
                                     often embedded in precipitation
    2A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP without removing light precip as well. 
                                     Therefore, AP remains and VOS's are given major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded and stand-alone AP located ~95-100 km from 
                                               KMLB radar.
                         0529-0534Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining NNW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1034-1134Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1831-1856Z: intense AP speck remaining just N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1924-2004Z: intense AP splotch remaining just N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2034Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                         2102-2357Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected

******************************************************************************************************

13 Jul 98:    Widespread convection with large stratiform rain shield early on quickly dissipates,
              leaving no precip within 150 km of the radar by 05Z.  Convective cells begin
              regenerating over the ocean by 07Z and by 1130Z, the storms have carved out a large
              chunk of real-estate over the Atlantic.  Cells continue to increase in number and
              intensity as they begin to move onshore by 13Z.  By 18Z, new cells begin firing 
              southwest of KMLB, adding to the large shield of rain over the ocean and the cells
              which have streamed onshore north of KMLB.  Locally heavy rain (except over ocean
              where rain is more widepsread) continues through day's end.  Possible rotation
              in mass of convection evident near the end of the period may suggest primary forcing
              is upper level low pressure system (need a synoptic map to verify).

              Data processed:  0002-2120 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0948Z(126 km), 1124Z(705 km), 1301Z(707 km), 1438Z(128 km)

              QC notes:  0002-0207Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0221-0252Z: moderate AP remains embedded in light precip W of radar
  2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done to remove embedded AP with this algorithm
                                     without removing legitimate precip as well...the AP remains
                                     and the VOS's are given major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP located ~100-110 km from the radar 
                         0312-0732Z: moderate/intense AP remaining, initially W then S of the radar,
                                     and eventually scattered about in several directions. This
                                     AP is often embedded in precip, particularly early in this
                                     time period
                             ----->  improved but many VOS's are still contaminated with AP which
                                     is mostly embedded in precipitation.  See the following flags:
  2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->     0312-0352Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded within light
                                                    precip. Nothing can be done about embedded AP 
                                                    with this algorithm, short of removing precip as
                                                    well.
                                        * AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km
  2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->     0357-0417Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar. AP
                                                    could not be removed without removing precip as
                                                    well.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km (near 150 km cutoff)
    3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->          0447Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km
  2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->     0452-0532Z: moderate AP remains embedded in light precip SW
                                                    of radar.
                                        * AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyon 100 km.
                         1830-1915Z: scattered weak/moderate AP specks remaining near radar
 2A,3A,3B+    !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove the AP specks without removing precip as well.
                                     Checking the second-tilt scans shows that these specks are 
                                     unusually deep and possess strong reflectivities aloft...they
                                     had us beat all the way with those characteristics.
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP located within 50 km 

********************************************************************************************************

14 Jul 98:    Early on numerous convective cells and showers NE of the radar conitnue to stream off
              to the north and west. By 10Z, much of the convection has died away, leaving an area
              of stratiform rain which continues to move off to the west. By 12Z, more cells begin
              to quickly develop both east and south of the radar and their movement now definitively
              demonstrates the presence of an upper-level low pressure system.  A large convective
              cluster is present south of the radar by 15Z which continues to increase in coverage.
              By 20Z, most of Florida viewed by the KMLB radar is being affected either by intense
              convective cells N and W of the radar or weak to moderate stratiform precipitation S of
              the radar.  The coverage in rain increases through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0358-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0835Z(283 km), 1011Z(519 km), 1325Z(447 km), 1501Z(412 km)

              QC notes:       0953Z: moderate AP specks remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected. A tiny speck of Ap remains but is considered negligible
                                     and not in need of a flag.
                         1930-2135Z: 10 km hole in precipitation surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected.
                              2139Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************************

15 Jul 98:    Moderate to heavy rain with embedded convection present west of Florida early on.  By
              05Z, much of the heavy precipitation has weakened and been reduced in its areal 
              coverage, leaving only some scattered convection and areas of weak precip.  New
              convection begins moving in from the west by 09Z while scattered weak showers continue
              to dominate the rest of the scope.  By 13Z, the number of both convective cells and
              light showers has increased dramatically and by 16Z, a weak line of convection has
              developed near KMLB.  This line breaks apart and weakens by 18Z, once again allowing
              the appreciable shield of light showers to dominate.  More embedded convection fires
              up throughout the scope by 20Z, but all precipitation weaken as the day draws to a 
              close (UTC end of the day).

              Data processed:  0000-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0859Z(227 km), 1035Z(739 km), 1212Z(665 km), 1349Z(21 km)

              QC notes:  0835-1054Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1059Z: precip-eating mode
   1B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  the ~50 km hole in precip was corrected, but to do so, Z0 had
                                     to be turned off (as well as turning down some heights) which
                                     allowed a moderate AP splotch to creep back into the field.  
                                     Nothing can be done to remove this AP during a precip-eating mode
                                     event since the precip removal is so sensitive....hence the flag.
                                     The VOS gets a "1" flag but since the overpass is almost 750 km 
                                     away, the flag really isn't that significant. 
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP located within 100 km
                         1109-1204Z: weak.moderate AP remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1700Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                         1714-2019Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

***********************************************************************************************************

16 July 98:    Scattered light showers prevail early on.  Just about all precipitation is out of range
               by 0230Z.  Some convective cells dance around the radar perimeter, out of range, after 09Z
               with convection moving into range by 12Z as cells develop over the Atlantic to the southeast
               and over Florida to the northwest. A line of convection develops by 16Z as it tracks 
               eastward across Florida and quickly decays (by 18Z), leaving only showers. New convection
               fires south of the radar after 19Z, where some of the cells appear intense.  By the end
               of the day, only a small cluster of rapidly decaying convection remains.

               Data processed:  0000-2356 Z

               Satellite Coincidence:  0746Z(159 km), 0922Z(582 km), 1236Z(368 km), 1412Z(547 km)

               QC notes:  0050-0104Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining near radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          0114-0309Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining, mainly SW of radar
                              ----->  much improved, and almost completely corrected, except for the
                                      followinf VOS's, where the AP could not be removed without 
                                      removing light precipitation.
   3A-         !!FLAG!!                 0249-0304Z: moderate AP splotches remaining W of radar.  Moved
                                                    0304Z VOS to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100km (near 150 km cutoff) 
                               0424Z: moderate AP splotch remaining SW of the radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          0500-0505Z: moderate/intense AP remaining SW of radar
                              ----->  corrected.  Any AP which remains in these VOS's or in the VOS's
                                      immediately preceding this time period is beyon 150 km and of no
                                      concern to us.  Some very light showers were removed in the process
                                      of pushing the intense Ap beyond 150 km but this removal is 
                                      deemed negligible and therefore no flags are given. 
                          0924-1254Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining
                              ----->  much improved, but some problem areas still exist.  All VOS's
                                      before 1044Z contained no precip within 150 km of the radar so
                                      all AP was easily removed by raising all QC parameters.  After
                                      and including 1044Z, some convective cells started creeping within
                                      range and QC became more difficult.  The following VOS's contain
                                      AP within range and are flagged accordingly:
   3A-         !!FLAG!!                  1139-1149Z: small splotches of moderate AP remain
                                         * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km (~125 km)
   1A-         !!FLAG!!                  1209-1224Z: moderate specks and splotches of AP remaining
                                         * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km (~120 km)
   1A          !!FLAG!!                  1234-1239Z: intense AP splotches remaining
                                         * AP RANGE: AP located beyon 100 km (~120 km)
                          1828-1833Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                              ----->  corrected. A weak speck of false echo remains but it is so
                                      small that it is deemed negligible.
                          1858-1918Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          2133-2356Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                              ----->  corrected
                          2236-2356Z: weak/moderate/horrifiaclly intense AP from radar to points SW
                                      (sometimes embedded in precip) 
                              ----->  improved, but the AP in some VOS's was so bad to begin with, even
                                      an improvement still does make it presentable.  The following VOS's
                                      contain AP within range and are flagged accordingly:
 2A,3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->     2306-2336Z: moderate to intense to horrifically intense AP
                                                     remains and can not be removed without removing
                                                     precip as well.  The AP gets worse as you progress
                                                     through this time period.
                                         * AP RANGE: All but 2 VOS's (2331-2336Z) contain AP which is
                                                     beyond 100 km from the radar   

**********************************************************************************************************
                                     
17 July 98:    Early on, a weak line of convection develops over the Atlantic (~04Z) but quickly 
               dissipates into a copule of convective cells by 0630Z.  Widely scattered showers over
               the ocean continue and are joined by some widely scattered showers and cells over
               Florida.  This scattered convective activity continues through the end of the day, but 
               it is hardly the rain event of the last few days.

               Data processed:  0001-2358 Z

               Satellite Coincidence:  0634Z(623 km), 0810Z(321 km), 1124Z(612 km), 1300Z(97 km) 

               QC notes:  0001-0201Z: weak/moderate AP specks and splotches remaining either near the
                                      radar of NW of radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          0216-0336Z: moderate AP splotch remaining near radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          0341-0726Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining (at times,
                                      numerous splotches present)
                              ----->  vastly improved using H2-1.9 and dBZ noise=30. However, vastly 
                                      improved does not mean we escaped without major flags (not when 
                                      the AP is this bad).  The following VOS's still contains splotches
                                      of AP which could not be removed without removing precip and are
                                      flagged accordingly:
   3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->    0346-0401Z: moderate/intense Ap splotches remaining NW to W
                                                    of the radar. VOS 0401Z moved to bad_files_not_in_
                                                    1C.hdf directory.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 
   3A-         !!FLAG!!       ----->         0411Z: moderate AP splotch remaining N of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
   3A-         !!FLAG!!       ----->    0421-0426Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining N to W of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
 2A,3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->    0441-0531Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining near radar,
                                                    west of radar, and north of radar.  VOS 0531Z was
                                                    moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located within and beyond 100 km
   3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->         0551Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
   3B+         !!FLAG!!       ----->         0601Z: weak/moderate Ap splotcxh remaining NW of radar.
                                                    Moved VOS to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
   1A          !!FLAG!!       ----->    0626-0706Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
                          0854-0914Z: moderate/intense AP specks remaining N of radar
                              ----->  corrected
                          0943-1042Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining W of radar
                              ----->  corrected.  Any remaining AP is beyon 150 km and therefore of
                                      no concern to us.
                               1047Z: widespread, horricially intense AP remaining
   3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->  vastly improved in that the wiedspread intense AP shield was 
                                      reduced to just 3 splotches of intense AP.
                                   *  AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km
                          1052-1302Z: scattered moderate/intense AP splotches remaining (at times,
                                      numerous splotches present)
                              ----->  much improved, but several VOS's still contain AP splotches
                                      which could not be removed without removing significant
                                      precipitation as well...see the following flags:
1A,2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->    1052-1207Z: isolated to scattered specks and splotches of
                                                    moderate to intense AP remains.
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km 
 1A,3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->    1227-1302Z: moderate to intense AP splotches remaining W of
                                                    radar
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located beyond 100 km

***********************************************************************************************************

18 Jul 98:    Scattered showers and convection throughout the day.  Convection becomes more
              numerous as the day closes to an end.  After 23Z, a couple of very intense
              convective cells exist over Florida.

              Data processed:  0003-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0658Z(33 km), 0834Z(641 km), 1148Z(271 km), 1324Z(701 km)

              QC notes:  0623-0723Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0738-0932Z: removal of light precipitation near radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1147Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1222-1227Z: horrifically intense AP remaining WNW of radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but AP like this will seldom be completely eradicated
                                     when precip is also present.  Intense AP splotches still exist
                                     WNW of radar.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  beyond 100 km
                              1741Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar (Cape Canaveral)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1810-1815Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1825Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1845Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1920-2010Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2045Z: moderate radial spike remnants remaining NW of radar
   3B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but a piece of the moderate radial spike still
                                     remains embedded in light precip, of which nothing can be done
                                     to remove it.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyond 100 km (~130 km)
                         2045-2310Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2100-2150Z: moderate AP splotch remaining WSW of radar
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that a couple of VOS's has the splotch removed, but
                                     others still contain at least a portion of the original splotch
                                     (if not the whole splotch)...hence the major flags
                                  *  AP RANGE: AP located ~75 km from radar
                         2120-2150Z: moderate to horrifically intense AP remaining just W of radar;
                                     often embedded in precipitation
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved in that much of the stand-alone intense AP has been
                                     removed but much of the AP was embedded in precip, which means
                                     nothing can be done to remove it without removing precip as well.
                                     Hence the major flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located within 100 km
                         2145-2220Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2315-2359Z: moderate/intense AP specks embedded in light to moderate
                                     precip S of radar
   3B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done about embedded AP without removing the
                                     precipitation echoes as well.  This flag is a little less severe
                                     than what is usually given to embedded AP because the false echo
                                     is in the form of very small specks and some of these specks are
                                     effectively masked by precipitation of comparable reflectivity.

***********************************************************************************************************

19 Jul 98:    Strong convective clusters present very early on begin to rapidly dissipate and are all
              but stratiform precipitation by 03Z.  Scattered convective cells begin firing over the
              ocean by 07Z. By 14Z, the Atlantic ocean convection has become a bit more numerous and
              the cores are now larger. By 16Z, some of these cells have merged into strong convective
              cluster which continues to trek towards the Florida coast.  Meanwhile, scattered convection
              begins to now form over Florida. By 18Z, several storng convective cores are now present
              over Florida, as well.By 19Z, coverage of these strong convective clusters over Florida
              has increased as all activity has shifted inland.  Copious amounts of rain by 20Z as
              convective activity continues to intensify (with stratiform precip present now as well).
              By ~22Z, a clearly visible gust front begins travelling southward, away from a collapsing
              storm, where it interacts with a northward travelling outflow boundary.  Rapid
              convective development occurs when these two boundaries intersect at ~2229Z.  As the day
              draws to a close, the convective coverage has abated but a large stratiform precip
              shield is still present over Florida.

              Data processed:  0004-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0546Z(472 km), 0722Z(413 km), 1036Z(547 km), 1212Z(229 km) 

              QC notes:  0014-0034Z: moderate/intense AP specks embedded in light precip
   3B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove the false echo since it was embedded in precip
                                     and therefore impervious to this QC algorithm (unless all precip
                                     is removed as well).  VOS 0034Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory.  Flag is not a major flag because of the small areal
                                     coverage of the AP
                         0214-0223Z: moderate/intense AP specks reamining SW of radar 
                             ----->  corrected
                         0233-0510Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining
                             ----->  improved in tha tmost of the stand-alone AP was removed. 
                                     Unfortunately, the are several VOS's which contain embedded AP
                                     of which nothing can be done (please see the following flags):
2B,3A,3B      !!FLAG!!       ----->     0238-0316Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remain
                                                    embedded in precip W of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: located both within and beyond 100 km from radar    
2B,3A,3B      !!FLAG!!       ----->     0336-0401Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remain embedded in
                                                    precip W of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: AP located ~80 km from radar
   3B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->          0406Z: moderate AP splotch remaining north of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: located ~50 km from radar
   3A-        !!FLAG!!       ----->          0416Z: small but intense AP splotch remaining N of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: located ~50 km from radar   
                         0605-0615Z: moderate AP splotch remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected

**********************************************************************************************************

20 Jul 98:    Early on, a large area of stratiform rain is present west of the radar but is
              dissipating quickly and is basically gone by 03Z. Convective cells persist off the
              east coast of Florida for most of the day.  Widely scattered cells at ~04Z slowly
              increase in number and coverage, with a rapid increase at ~10Z.  Convection begins
              moving onshore by 14Z and wiedspread showers and convection persist through the end 
              of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0610Z(85 km), 0746Z(690 km), 0923Z(720 km), 1100Z(167 km), 

              QC notes:  0001-0120Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              0011Z: intense AP speck NW of radar, along fringe of precip shield
   3A-        !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP speck without removing precip as well.  It
                                     appears that the AP is partially embedded in the light precip
                                     bordering the stratiform shield...which is enough to prevent its
                                     removal by the QC algorithm...the speck remains and the VOS 
                                     receives an A- flag.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located beyond 100 km
                         0015-0303Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining;
                                     often embedded in precipitation
  2A,3A       !!FLAG!!       ----->  except for a couple of VOS's at the end of this time period (when
                                     the AP episode was sinding down), almost all AP specks and 
                                     splotches remain since they are embedded in precip and therefore 
                                     can not be handled with this QC algorithm...hence the major
                                     flags.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  embedded AP located both within and beyond 100 km
                         0050-0110Z: removal of light to moderate precipitation
                             ----->  corrected.  But, these VOS's are still flagged due to embedded AP
                                     (see above flag)
                         1725-1759Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining SW of radar, some of
                                     which is embedded in precipitation
2A-,3A-       !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but the majority of the 6 VOS's in this time period 
                                     still contain a renegade splotch of moderate AP which could not
                                     be removed without removing precip as well...the AP remains and
                                     the VOS's are flagged accordingly.

**********************************************************************************************************

21 Jul 98:    Early on, dissipating convection west of the radar conitnue to move out of range.  Lull
              in activity (02-03Z) is short-lived as new, widely scattered cells begin firing just off
              the east coast of Florida. Cells present over land as well by 05Z but activity is still of
              the widely scattered variety.  By 06Z, a larger, more impressive cluster starts moving
              into range from the Southeast, accompanied by more numerous convective cells.  By 08Z,
              the cluster of convection has grown and moved closer to the radar, although it is still
              over the Atlantic. The convection decays by 11Z, when the shower remnants begin moving
              over Florida.  By 18Z, another more impressive convective cluster begins moving into
              range from the south.  By 20Z, the coverage of convective cells has increased dramatically
              throughout the scope while a shield of moderate precipitation resides in the scope's
              SW quadrant.  Widespread convection with locally heavy rain continues through the end of 
              the day, with a slight abatement after 23Z.

              Data processed:  0003-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0457Z(329 km), 0634Z(494 km), 0948Z(474 km), 1124Z(365 km)

              QC notes:  1050-1155Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1210-1235Z: moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but VOS's 1225-1235Z still contain Ap splotches which
                                     could not be removed without removing precip as well...the AP
                                     remains and the VOS's are given major flags.  VOS's 1230Z and
                                     1235Z were moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  located beyond 100 km
                         2231-2256Z: moderate AP specks remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected

***********************************************************************************************************

22 Jul 98:    Dissipating, scattered convection and stratiform remnants present early on.  New 
              scattered cells begin to fire over the ocean by 04Z.  A large MCS system begins
              moving into range from the south by 08Z.  The system, a ragged, arced squall line
              with trailing stratiform region, moves due north and overtakes the radar by 11Z.
              Stratiform precip weakens to only scattered light showers.  THe convection over land
              associated with the system weakens while the convection over water remains strong
              through ~14Z, when all convection has finally decayed or moved out of range.
              Scattered convective activity persists through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0521Z(194 km), 0658Z(729 km), 0835Z(679 km), 1012Z(57 km)

              QC notes:  0241-0341Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected.  Any false echoes which remain are beyond 150 km
                                     and not a concern.  Some small specks of showers were removed
                                     in the QC process but the removal of this minute amount of 
                                     precipitation is considered negligible.
                              0406Z: moderate AP splotch remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              0626Z: radial spike remnants remaining S of radar
                             ----->  not in need of correction since the AP was confirmed to be 
                                     beyond 150 km and therefore not a concern
                              0716Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1057-1221Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1221-1441Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar (sometimes
                                     embedded in light precip)
2A,3A,3B      !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved but numerous VOS's still contain moderate to
                                     intense AP specks and splotches south of the radar, some of
                                     which is embedded in light precipitation.  The remaining
                                     AP could not be removed without removing precip as well.
                                     VOS 1401Z was moved to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  AP located beyond 100 km (120-150km)
                         1226-1236Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected.  Any AP which remains in this region is beyond
                                     150 km and therefore of no concern to us.
                         1351-1356Z: widespread, horrifically intense AP remaining S of radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved, but still earns a major flag for an intense
                                     AP splotch which still remains within range in each VOS. Also,
                                     some weak showers NE of the radar were removed during the QC
                                     process.  In this case, due to the intense nature and 
                                     widespread coverage of the AP, the removal of these light 
                                     showers was deemed an acceptable trade-off.
                                  *  AP RANGE: located ~125 km from radar
                         1846-2256Z: second-trip echo remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2126-2131Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2146Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2156-2201Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  completely improved except for a speck of AP which remains in
                                     VOS 2201Z, which could not be removed without removing 
                                     precip as well....the Ap remains and the VOS was moved to the
                                     bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE: located within 100 km (~50 km)

***********************************************************************************************************

23 Jul 98:    Much drier day than the last few days at Melb.  Only significant precipitation comes in
              the form of scattered, decaying convection and stratiform west of the radar from 00-0230Z.

              Data processed:  0001-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0409Z(197 km), 0546Z(563 km), 0859Z(392 km), 1036Z(506 km)

              QC notes:       1009Z: moderate AP splotch remaining (no precipitation present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1029-1217Z: scattered weak/moderate AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              2130Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining SE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2140-2359Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense radial spike remnants
                                     remaining (no precip present within range) 
                             ----->  corrected

*************************************************************************************************************

24 Jul 98:    Only precipitation in the form of widely scattered showers near the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0009-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0257Z(668 km), 0433Z(292 km), 0747Z(630 km), 0923Z59 km)

              QC notes:  0107-1119Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2001-2046Z: weak AP splotches remaining NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2046Z: moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2056Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2111Z: intense AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2141Z: moderate AP splotch remaining just NE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2206-2316Z: "smokestack-signal" present SW of radar.  It is hard to believe that
                                     this reflectivity return is from any wildfires because of the large
                                     amount of rain which has fallen in the region of the last couple of
                                     weeks.  The "cell" remains stationary, with blow-off to the west, 
                                     while any other real cells on this day possessed a definitive 
                                     propogation direction. Also, checking the archived satellite image for
                                     the region on 980724/0000 UTC (4 minutes after the last image here)
                                     shows a completely cloud-free sky in the region.  Therefore, I am
                                     considering the return as false and removing any remnants which 
                                     remain.
 2A-,3A-      !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but could not completely remove the "smokestack signal" in
                                     VOS's 2206-2241Z...hence the flags. (vertical extent of return allows
                                     it to survive in the flagged VOS's)
                                  *  AP RANGE: Ap located within 100 km from radar

*************************************************************************************************************

25 Jul 98:    No precipitation until late in the day when scattered convection begins to fire sporadically
              over Florida, but nothing which greatly impresses.

              Data processed:  0001-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0320Z(75 km), 0457Z(623 km), 0810Z(304 km), 0947Z(649 km)

              QC notes:  0001-0834Z: chaff + scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip
                                     present).  Chaff verified by (1)characterisitc streamer appearance,
                                     (2)lack of clouds in area, (3) lack of vertical continuity and (4)
                                     "chunking" of chaff by QC algorithm (which has become another tell-
                                     tale sign.
                             ----->  corrected
                         0923-0943Z: weak AP splotch remaining NE of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1003-1042Z: weak AP splotch remaining NE of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
 
                             *note:  chaff is again present north of the radar as the day draws to a close
                                     but it never ventures inside of 150 km and is therefore never a
                                     candidate for reprocessing

*************************************************************************************************************    

26 Jul 98:    Only precipitation on this day comes in scattered decaying convection early on (00-04) and
              more numerous, but still scattered, convection after 13Z which moves in from the Atlantic.
              This late day convection weakens as the day draws to a close.

              Data processed:  0000-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0208Z(523 km), 0344Z(382 km), 0658Z(571 km), 0835Z(182 km)

              QC notes:  0515-0540Z: weak/moderate AP remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  AP confirmed to be outside of 150 km and therefore of no concern 
                              0825Z: weak AP remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  AP confirmed to be outside of 150 km and therefore of no concern
                         0900-1320Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate/intense to horrifically
                                     intense AP remaining W of radar (no precip before 1235Z)
                             ----->  vastly improved, with only a couple of problem VOS's remaining (see
                                     the following flags)
   3A         !!FLAG!!                 1235-1240Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar. Could not
                                                   remove false echo without removing precip cell SE
                                                   of radar.
                                       * AP RANGE: located ~130 km from radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->    1305-1310Z: intense AP splotch remaining W of radar, which could
                                                   not be removed without removing precip as well.
                                       * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar
                              1840Z: moderate/intense radial spike remnants remaining S of radar (mostly
                                     embedded in precip)
   2B+        !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but some moderate AP still remains, embedded in precip.
                                     Luckily, even more of the AP is reduced due to effective masking by
                                     precip of the same intenseity in the region
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~110-130 km

*************************************************************************************************************

27 Jul 98:    Only widely scattered showers and cells throughout the day....nothing too impressive.

              Data processed:  0001-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0232Z(45 km), 0409Z(675 km), 0546Z(732 km), 0722Z(204 km)

              QC notes:  0046-0051Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining NNW of radar
                             ----->  VOS 0051 was corrected. The AP present in VOS 0046Z was confirmed to
                                     be beyond 150 km and therefore not in need of reprocessing
                              0121Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0156-0206Z: weak/moderate AP splotches remaining NNW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0246-0401Z: weak radial spike remnants NE of radar giving way to weak/moderate/
                                     intense AP splotches remaining W of radar
                             ----->  improved, but a couple of AP splotches still remain in a couple of
                                     VOS's....see the following flags:
    3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->    0316-0326Z: small, but moderate, AP splotch remaining which could
                                                   not be removed without removing precip as well.
                                       * AP RANGE: located ~125 km from radar
                              1045Z: weak AP splotches remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1203-1223Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W and SSE of radar
                             ----->  corrected

*************************************************************************************************************

28 Jul 98:    A couple of clusters of convection are present early. The southern most cluster decays by 
              0230Z but the northernmost cluster maintains its strength as it tracks off to the east, out 
              over the Atlantic, and eventually out of range by 05Z.  After a lengthy lull in activity,
              some small showers once again fire over Florida by 16Z.  By 18Z, some more substantial
              cells have the taken the place of the showers, which continue tracking eastward.  The cells
              merge into a cluster by 19Z but starts decaying by 22Z, leaving only a rapidly shrinking 
              stratiform rain region by day's end.

              Data processed:  0004-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0120Z(378 km), 0256Z(466 km), 0610Z(500 km), 0746Z(317 km)

              QC notes:  0049-0149Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining ESE of radar
                             ----->  much improved, with only one VOS remaining which contains intense AP
                                     inside of 150 km.  A small trade-off in removing this harsh AP was that
                                     some light showers surrounding the convective cores were reduced. 
                                     However, this is considered an acceptable tradeoff given the weak
                                     nature and small areal coverage of the precip removed versus the
                                     very intense nature of the AP which would have remained if these
                                     more aggressive steps were not taken. The one Vos still containing AP
                                     is flagged below:
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->          0114Z: intense AP splotches remain within range
                                        * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar
                              0159Z: intense AP splotch remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0214-0424Z: scattered to widespread moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining
                             ----->  improved, in that some VOS's were completely corrected while the 
                                     majority of the VOS's had a reduction in number of AP splotches. But,
                                     several time periods still warrant major flags and all flagged VOS's
                                     are listed as follows:
 3A,1A        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0219-0229Z: moderate to intense Ap splotch remains SW of radar
                                        * AP RANGE: located ~80-90 km from radar
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0224-0314Z: moderate to intense AP specks embedded in convection
                                                    just north of radar.
                                        * AP RANGE: located 60-75 km from radar 
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0319-0410Z: embedded Ap still a problem for first couple VOS's 
                                                    in this time period but all VOS's have the problem of
                                                    scattered moderate/intense AP splotches remaining which
                                                    could not be removed without removing precip as well
                                        * AP RANGE: ~75-125 km from radar
                              0619Z: intense AP splotch remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0749-0759Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0844-1430Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1911-2020Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining N of radar and/or weak
                                     radial spike remnants remaining NE of radar
                             ----->  improved, but some VOS's still contain an AP splotch which could 
                                     not be removed without removing precip as well...see the following
                                     flags:
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->          1920Z: moderate AP splotch remaining (very small)
                                        * AP RANGE: ~50 km from radar
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->     1935-1940Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining 
                                        * AP RANGE: ~50 km from radar

*************************************************************************************************************
                 
29 Jul 98:    Only precipitation before 15Z comes in the form of a rapidly decaying stratiform region 
              early on and scattered rain along the scope's periphery.  After 15Z, cells begin to fire 
              and become numerous over Florida.  By 19Z, a few convective clusters are now present along
              with some stratiform-like precipitation.  By 2030Z, a broken line of convection is present
              north of the radar.  Stron convection begins firing south of the radar soon after, with 
              light to moderate stratiform rain present throughout.  The convection present north and 
              south of the radar is in full dissipation stage by 23Z, leaving weak showers and scattered 
              cells over the Ocean as the day draws to a close.

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0144Z(157 km), 0320Z(716 km), 0457Z(695 km), 0634Z(96 km)

              QC notes:  0001-0036Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining, almost always embedded in
                                     light precip NE of radar
                             ----->  little could be done since most of the AP was embedded in AP which
                                     means to remove the AP, the precip must be removed as well.  See the
                                     following flags:
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0001-0031Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded in light precip
                                        * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~50 km from radar
                         0136-0236Z: scattered weak/moderate AP remaining, mainly S of radar (no precip 
                                     present within range)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0256-0520Z: horrifically intense AP remaining SSW of radar (no precip present
                                     within range)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0620-0625Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining SW of radar (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0724-0734Z: weak/moderate AP remaining E of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1837-1953Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1907-1922Z: moderate/intense AP remaining near radar, some embedded in precip
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved slightly, but much of the AP remains.  This is because the
                                     false echo is embedded in precip and there is no solution for that 
                                     short of removing all precip as well (which is not an option)...AP
                                     was reduced but most remains and the VOS's are given a major flag
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40 km from radar
                         2013-2322Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2128-2302Z: moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining; often embedded
                                     in precipitation 
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  only very slight improvement because most of AP is embedded in 
                                     precipitation which means there is no cure....the AP remains and
                                     the VOS's are flagged accordingly.  Moved VOS 2302Z to bad_files_
                                     not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located 60-110 km
                         2332-2357Z: scattered moderate/intense AP specks and splotches remaining; often
                                     embedded in precipitation
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  AP is embedded in precipitation and can not be removed without 
                                     removing precip as well.
                                  *  AP RANGE: embedded AP located 50-110 km

**************************************************************************************************************

30 Jul 98:    Convection offshore to the NE and a large stratiform region to the SW dissipate
              between 0002-0230Z.  Scattered convection forms after 15Z.  Numerous cells with
              moderate to heavy precip form, remain stationary or drift slowly, then die off.

              Data processed:  0002-2240 Z

              Satellite Coincidence: 0031Z(243 km), 0208Z(540 km), 0522Z(422 km), 0658Z(455 km)
                                     2319Z(721 km)

              QC notes:  0002-0252Z:  AP to NW and NE...also some embedded intense specks in
                                      precip shield to SW and W.
                               ---->  Corrected from 0231-0242Z. Otherwise, see below flags:
 1A, 2A, 3A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  0002-0057Z:  Embedded intense AP to SW and W.
                                     *  AP RANGE:  50-100 km, w/ a few specks between 100-150 km.
 1B, 2B, 3B   !!FLAG!!         ---->  0102-0141Z:  A few embedded AP specks.  Definitely not as
                                                  widespread as previous period.
                                     *  AP RANGE:  50-100 km.
         1A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  0146-0221Z:  Embedded intense AP specks to immediate N and
                                                  also SW.  Also some AP to NE outside 150 km.
                                     *  AP RANGE:  ~25 km to N & ~75-100 km to SW.
         1B   !!FLAG!!         ---->       0226Z:  Embedded AP to SW in light precip.
                                     *  AP RANGE:  ~100 km
         2B   !!FLAG!!         ---->  0247-0252Z:  A few specks of embedded AP.
                                     *  AP RANGE:  ~50 km
                         0257-0712Z:  Scattered AP w/o precip.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         1805-2140:  Perhaps some AP surrounding precip cores around radar.
     2B, 3B   !!FLAG!!         ---->  Kept params the same and flagged.  It's very difficult
                                      to distinguish exactly what should or shouldn't be precip
                                      amidst all the clutter near the radar, thus felt it do
                                      more harm than good to increase the params and remove
                                      some of the outlying precip.
                                   *  AP RANGE:  0-50 km
                         2145-2225Z:  Embedded intense AP in precip just to W of radar.
     2A, 3A   !!FLAG!!         ---->  Second tilt imagery shows light precip (not heavy
                                      enough to justify such large reflectivity in lowest
                                      tilt). Increasing params doesn't help that much since
                                      the AP is embedded.  Thus, flagged as a major problem.
                                   *  AP RANGE:  ~50 km
                              2230Z:  Embedded intense AP in precip just to W of radar.
                               ---->  Corrected.  Vertical structure of light precip in second tilt
                                      almost non-existent, thus was able to correct this VOS.

***************************************************************************************************

31 Jul 98:    A few isolated areas of convection to W and NW from 00-02 Z. Scattered convection
              offshore to E and SE between 03-08 Z, mostly outside 150 km, though.  More widespread
              scattered convection forms offshore after 10Z thru 20Z.  By 15Z, a region of scattered
              convection has developed over land to the S of the radar.  A line of convection forms
              along the coast by 19Z, then dissipates.  A large convective clusters also develops to
              SW near 19Z, then weakens into a broad area of stratiform precip.  A few other convective
              cells pop up over land late in the day to the N, NW and W.

              Data processed:  0025-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0055Z(258 km), 0232Z(747 km), 0409Z(648 km), 0545Z(17 km),
                                      2343Z(118 km)

              QC notes:  0025-0241Z:  Scattered light to intense AP to N/NE at longer ranges,
                                      plus a few intense AP specks at mid-ranges.  All combined
                                      with a couple isolated convective cells to W and NW.
                               ---->  Corrected inside 150 km.
                         0246-0619Z:  Scattered light to moderate AP to N/NE at longer ranges.
                                      Some scattered convection offshore, but mostly > 150 km.
                               ---->  Corrected inside 150 km. Most of the AP and precip is
                                      outside 150 km, but corrected things further to be safe.
                              1752Z:  Intense AP speck along the coast to the N.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         1803-1938Z:  Intense AP speck along the coast to the N.
                               ---->  Corrected, expcept for following flags.
       3A-    !!FLAG!!         ---->  1903 & 1923: Intense speck to N cannot be fully removed
                                                   w/o taking away more precip.  Using 1908Z in
                                                   1C.HDF granule instead of 1903Z.
                                      *  AP RANGE: ~75 km.
                              2228Z:  Intense AP speck to SW at ~125 km.
                               ---->  Corrected.
                         2258-2328Z:  Light to intense AP shield to SW/W near precip.
                               ---->  Corrected, except for 2308Z.
       3A-    !!FLAG!!         ---->        2308Z: Some intense embedded AP difficult to
                                                   remove to the SW.
                                      *  AP RANGE: ~150 km
***********************************************************************************************************