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Understanding California Doppler Radar: A Technical Guide for 2026

"California’s unique topography—ranging from the high-altitude peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the sprawling, densely populated coastal basins—requires a sophisticated meteorological monitoring network. As of 2026, the integration of dual-polarization Doppler radar technology remains the backbone of public safety, wildfire smoke plume tracking, and atmospheric river analysis. This guide explores the technical infrastructure behind the radar systems currently protecting the Golden State. The Architecture of NEXRAD in the California Theater The National Weather Service (NWS) operates the WSR-88D (Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler) network ac..."

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