Radar Can Be Deceiving

Below is an example of a typical radar image that you will see on your computer, tablet or smart phone. You can see the characteristic light to dark green values indicating the radar is detecting precipitation, or is it?

Kansas City Base Reflectivity

With dual-pol radar products, meteorologists have additional data to differentiate radar echoes that are caused by precipitation versus echoes that can be caused by insects, birds, smoke, etc.

Kansas City Dual-Pol Radar – Correlation Coefficient

We’ve highlighted the area of interest below which shows light and dark greens that appear to be precipitation at first, however they are actually non-meteorological, meaning it isn’t actually rain!

Reflectivity – Highlighted

Correlation Coefficient – Highlighted

Just another reason why you can’t always trust what the radar is telling you!

Experience the Work of Young Scientists

March 13, 2013

Olathe North Students + Brains = The Energy of Science

The Battle of the Brains contest, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, was designed to encourage practical, scientific thinking in young people. The assignment was to create an interactive, science-based exhibit to boost participation at Science City while teaching applied scientific principles.

Olathe North students, including Kendra Schuette (niece of our owner Sara Croke), designed The Science of Energy.

Greg Graves, Chairman and CEO of Burns and McDonnell takes a spin on the power wheel and monitored how much electricity he was generating. via KC Star Rich Sugg Photographer

Jump on the massive hamster wheel for an easy ride to better understand what it takes for all of us to enjoy the privilege of energy.

Congratulations to sponsor, Burns & McDonnell, the winning team of Olathe North Students and Science City for balancing the equation.

FUN + SCIENCE = Innovative Learning

Roost Rings

The Kansas City National Weather Service Radar picked up an interesting phenomena on radar this morning over northern Missouri, a roost ring! Check out the animated image below which shows the radar from 6:47am until 7:42am and focus in on the area northeast of Carrollton, Missouri.

The expanding circular object is actually flocks of birds leaving their overnight stay in local conservation areas, including Fountain Grove, Yellow Creek and Pershing State Park. A cool phenomena that shows radar doesn’t show you just precipitation!