Wind turbine clutter (WTC) reduces the accuracy of weather radar measurements, as turbines may now be built closer to radar sites. A dynamic algorithm reliably detects WTC when wind turbine rotor speeds exceed 5 rpm. Beamblockage due to WT in the 5km range is significant. A wind turbine-free 5 km radius is recommended.

The 17 operational German weather radars regularly look vertical for calibration. We proof that this data also contains valuable scientific information. To demonstrate this, we use it to detect the melting level in clouds and strong snowflake riming. Riming is the collision of a snowflake with liquid droplets, which can create precipitation. We analyze the frequency and temperature dependence of riming for all German weather radar sites and relate it to the local precipitation climatology.

The study examines the use of the spheroidal shape approximation for calculating cloud radar observables in rain and identifies some limitations. To address these, it introduces the empirical scattering model (ESM) based on high-quality Doppler spectra from a 94 GHz radar. The ESM offers improved accuracy and directly incorporates natural rain's microphysical effects. This new model can enhance retrieval and calibration methods, benefiting cloud radar polarimetry experts and scattering modelers.

Weather radar data are the backbone of a lot of meteorological products. In order to obtain a better low-level coverage with radar data, additional systems have to be included. The frequency range in which radars are allowed to operate is limited. A potential radar-to-radar interference has to be avoided. The paper derives guidelines on how additional radars can be included into a C-band weather radar network and how interferences can be avoided.

This study presents the new vertically pointing birdbath scan of the German C-band radar network, which provides high-resolution profiles of precipitating clouds above all DWD weather radars since the spring of 2021. Our AI-based postprocessing method for filtering and analyzing the recorded radar data offers a unique quantitative view into a wide range of precipitation events from snowfall over stratiform rain to intense frontal showers and will be used to complement DWD's operational services.