Merging radar outputs to improve UK rainfall estimates

A study led by researchers at the University of Leeds and the Environment Agency has demonstrated a new method for improving rainfall estimates across the UK.

The research, published in the journal Meteorological Applications in July 2025, shows how data from a mobile X-band radar could be merged with the UK Met Office's national C-band radar-network using a ‘quality index'.

This  approach could improve the accuracy of rainfall estimates, especially in areas with complex terrain or limited radar coverage.