ISO 19926-1:2019

Overview - ISO 19926-1:2019 (Weather radar system performance and operation)

ISO 19926-1:2019 specifies system performance and operational verification for ground-based weather radar systems operating in the 2 GHz to 10 GHz range. The standard applies to parabolic-antenna radars using linear polarization, including single- and dual-polarization configurations, and defines how to verify performance, infrastructure and lifecycle activities. It excludes fan‑beam (narrow‑AZ / broad‑EL) surveillance radars and notes that phased‑array radars (electronically steered/multi‑beam) currently lack sufficient performance data for inclusion.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on measurable system performance parameters and operational procedures, including:

• Frequency bands and suitable system configurations for atmospheric sensing (2–10 GHz).
• Fundamental measurement parameters: sensitivity, spatial resolution, phase stability, and accuracy of dual‑polarization measurements.
• Antenna and beam characteristics: side‑lobes, beam co‑alignment, beam‑width matching, antenna pointing accuracy.
• Kinematic limits: maximum rotation speed, acceleration and dynamic range.
• Electromagnetic compliance: unwanted emissions and receiver stability.
• Calibration, monitoring and maintenance: types, procedures, intervals, and stability checks (including solar checks).
• Operational support: staff competencies, training, siting and installation guidance, infrastructure, coverage and interference considerations.
• Lifecycle management: spare‑parts strategy, availability and life‑cycle costing.
• Supporting annexes provide measurement methods, sample radar specifications, recording templates, maintenance recommendations and radar data‑exchange considerations.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

ISO 19926-1 is practical for organizations that design, procure, operate or maintain weather radar networks:

• Meteorological services and national weather agencies - to ensure consistent, high‑quality radar observations for forecasting and warnings.
• Radar manufacturers and system integrators - to design systems meeting recognized performance criteria.
• Procurement/tendering authorities - to specify comparable functional requirements and evaluate bids.
• Radar network operators and maintenance teams - to implement calibration, monitoring and preventive maintenance programs.
• Typical applications supported by compliant systems: quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), hydrometeor classification (e.g., hail detection), Doppler wind estimation, and detection/surveillance of severe phenomena (tornadoes, microbursts). The standard’s calibration and maintenance procedures apply across these uses.

Related standards and resources

• ISO 19926 series (other parts) and WMO/IEC guidance referenced in the document.
• Annexes in ISO 19926-1 include sample specifications, measurement methods and data‑exchange guidance to aid implementation.

Keywords: ISO 19926-1:2019, weather radar, system performance, ground-based radar, dual-polarization radar, calibration and maintenance, radar siting, quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE).