Weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system

Abstract

By changing the operating modes of weather observation sensors, including weather radar, according to the weather phenomenon being predicted, weather phenomena can be predicted with higher accuracy than before. [Solution] The weather forecasting device 3 is a variable-mode weather observation sensor that observes precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data in an observation range, which is a spatial range to be observed. It includes a weather forecasting unit 5 that receives weather observation data, including precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data, observed by a weather observation sensor including a weather radar 1 that is positioned so that the observation range encompasses a predetermined weather forecast area, and predicts the weather in the weather forecast area for a predetermined future forecast time range and outputs weather forecast data including precipitation; a sensor data storage unit 4 that stores the installation position, observation range and observation accuracy of each weather observation sensor; and a sensor control unit 6 that receives weather forecast data and controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the variable-mode weather observation sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to weather forecasting devices and weather forecasting systems for predicting weather conditions. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, weather forecasting systems predict future weather phenomena using data from sensors such as weather radar and ground-based thermometers and hygrometers, employing methods such as data assimilation (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). A weather radar control device has been proposed that predicts the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere from the delay amount of GPS signals, predicts the occurrence of precipitation from changes in the amount of water vapor, and controls the weather radar to operate when precipitation is predicted (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] A radar system 1 has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2) that comprises: multiple radar devices 10 arranged at different locations to perform meteorological observations and acquire meteorological observation data; a meteorological information calculation unit 4 that calculates meteorological information for each point within the observation area of ​​each radar device 10 based on the meteorological observation data; and an observation area determination unit 6 that determines the observation area of ​​each of the multiple radar devices 10 to be either a first area, which is the area surrounding the antenna of each radar device 10, or a second area, which is the area of ​​the angular range set for the radar device with the antenna of each radar device as the starting point. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6316970 [Patent Document 2] International release WO2018 / 020867 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takeshi Miyoshi and Yuki Honda, "Data Assimilation in Meteorology," Tenki (Weather), Japan Meteorological Society, April 2007, Vol. 54, No. 5, pp. 15-19. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes how the observation area of ​​a weather radar is determined according to the observed weather information. However, Patent Document 2 does not consider changing the operating mode of weather observation sensors, including weather radar, according to the predicted weather phenomenon in order to predict the weather phenomenon with higher accuracy. The problem of changing the operating mode of weather observation sensors, including weather radar, according to the predicted weather phenomenon in order to predict the weather phenomenon with higher accuracy remains an unresolved issue.

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system that can predict weather phenomena with higher accuracy than conventional methods by changing the operating mode of weather observation sensors, including weather radar, according to the weather phenomenon to be predicted, and using the weather observation data observed in the changed operating mode for weather forecasting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The weather forecasting device according to this disclosure is a variable-mode weather observation sensor that can operate in multiple operating modes and observes precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data representing wind direction and wind speed in an observation range which is a spatial range to be observed. It includes a weather forecasting unit that receives weather observation data, including precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data, observed by one or more weather observation sensors, including weather radars, which are arranged so that the observation range encompasses a predetermined weather forecasting area, and outputs weather forecasting data including precipitation for a predetermined future time range which is a forecasting time range. It also includes a sensor data storage unit that stores the installation position, observation range and observation accuracy of each weather observation sensor, and if each weather observation sensor is a variable-mode weather observation sensor, stores the observation accuracy for each operating mode. Finally, it includes a sensor control unit that receives weather forecasting data and controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the variable-mode weather observation sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, by changing the operating mode of weather observation sensors, including weather radar, according to the weather phenomenon to be predicted, and using the weather observation data observed in the changed operating mode for weather forecasting, weather phenomena can be predicted with higher accuracy than before. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the arrangement of weather radar and water vapor lidar in a weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates, by example, the predicted precipitation range and cumulative precipitation range detected by the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates, using another example, the predicted precipitation range and cumulative precipitation range detected by the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5]This figure illustrates, by example, the area of ​​torrential rainfall and the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall detected by the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows a situation where the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1 has not detected precipitation. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates, by example, the control performed by the precipitation forecasting control unit of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of the service area of ​​a water vapor lidar constituting the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates, by example, a method for determining a water vapor lidar located near the cumulative precipitation area and upwind in a weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates, using another example, a method for determining a water vapor lidar located near the cumulative precipitation area and upwind in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates, by example, the control provided by the heavy rainfall control unit of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the weather radar observation method performed by the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1 within a high elevation angle observation range. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates, by example, a method for determining a water vapor lidar located near the area of ​​cumulative heavy rainfall and upwind in a weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This is a schematic block diagram of a weather forecasting system according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the arrangement of weather radar in a weather forecasting system according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a weather forecasting system according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 18]This is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the arrangement of weather radar and water vapor lidar in a weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 20] This figure illustrates, by example, the control performed by the precipitation forecasting control unit in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 21] This figure illustrates, by example, the control provided by the heavy rainfall control unit of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 23] This is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 24] This diagram shows the arrangement of a weather radar, water vapor lidar, temperature sensor, and barometric pressure sensor in a weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 26] This is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiment 1. The configuration of the weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the weather radar and water vapor lidar in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the weather forecasting system 70 consists of a weather radar 1, a water vapor lidar 2, and a weather forecasting device 3. The weather radar 1, water vapor lidar 2, and weather forecasting device 3 are connected to a network 60. The weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 transmit weather observation data to the weather forecasting device 3 via the network 60. The weather forecasting device 3 transmits control signals to the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 via the network 60.

[0013] Weather radar 1 is a radar that observes the area where precipitation is occurring (precipitation area) and the amount of precipitation at each point within the precipitation area. Weather radar 1 also observes wind direction and wind speed. Water vapor lidar 2 observes the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere above the installation location. Water vapor lidar 2 observes wind direction and wind speed at predetermined distances along multiple lines contained in a conical space above the installation location that is open on the upper side. Weather forecasting device 3 receives precipitation data, wind direction and wind speed data, and water vapor data observed by weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2, and predicts future precipitation, water vapor amount, wind direction and wind speed through data assimilation. Weather forecasting device 3 may also receive precipitation data, water vapor data, and wind direction and wind speed data from sources other than those controlled by the weather forecasting system 70, or it may receive, for example, weather forecast results for a wider area.

[0014] The weather forecasting device 3 can change the operating modes of weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2. By changing the operating modes of weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 according to the weather phenomenon to be predicted, weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 observe the weather observation data necessary to predict the weather phenomenon with higher accuracy. Using this weather observation data, the weather forecasting device 3 predicts the weather phenomenon with higher accuracy. Weather observation sensors that can change their operating modes are called variable-mode weather observation sensors. Weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 are variable-mode weather observation sensors.

[0015] Weather radar 1 emits microwave transmission waves (radio waves) into space from its antenna in any direction. Weather radar 1 receives reflected waves (radio waves) reflected from targets such as raindrops. Reflected waves are also called echoes. Weather radar 1 analyzes the reflected waves to observe the amount of raindrops, i.e., precipitation, and the Doppler velocity of the raindrops. Wind direction and wind speed are calculated from the Doppler velocity using the VVP (Volume Velocity Processing) method. The VVP method defines a finite three-dimensional small region including the radar beam, and performs regression calculations on thousands of polar coordinate system Doppler velocity data collected within this region to determine the average wind vector within the three-dimensional small region. The VVP method is described in "Doppler Weather Radar," Toshiba Review Vol. 55 No. 5 (2000), pp. 27-30, etc.

[0016] Weather radar 1 transmits and receives two types of radio waves: horizontally polarized and vertically polarized. By using dual-polarized transmission waves, precipitation intensity can be observed with higher accuracy compared to using only one type of radio wave. Furthermore, weather radar 1 can determine the type of target particle (rain, snow, hail, unwanted echoes such as terrain and insects). Weather radar 1 may also use other radio waves, such as horizontally polarized waves, for transmission.

[0017] Weather radar 1 transmits pulsed signals in a specific direction and receives reflected signals in that direction for a predetermined time. The distance between the target that reflected the reflected signal and weather radar 1 is determined by the elapsed time since the transmission of the original signal. Precipitation and wind direction and speed are calculated from reflected signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by integrating the reflected signals of multiple pulses. The SNR improves as more pulses are integrated. Weather radar 1 can increase the number of pulses only at a predetermined azimuth angle, and by increasing the number of pulses, it can observe precipitation and wind direction and speed with high accuracy at that azimuth angle. The mode in which weather radar 1 observes by increasing the number of pulses is called the high-pulse-number mode.

[0018] Within the azimuth angle range observed by weather radar 1 in high pulse count mode, precipitation, wind direction, and wind speed can be observed with higher precision than in other azimuth angles. Because high-precision meteorological observation data is used, the process of precipitation development can be predicted with greater accuracy. High pulse count mode is a high-precision mode in which weather radar 1 observes meteorological observation data with high precision.

[0019] Weather radar 1 transmits waves from a phased array antenna mounted on a rotatable mount around the azimuth axis and receives reflected waves. In weather radar 1, the elevation angle of the direction in which radio waves are transmitted and received is changed electrically, while the azimuth angle is changed mainly mechanically. In weather radar 1, the elevation angle at which radio waves can be transmitted and received may be predetermined, or it may be determined according to the situation during observation. Weather radar 1 determines the elevation angle at which radio waves are emitted depending on the operating mode and transmits and receives radio waves at the determined elevation angle. Weather radar 1 is a precipitation detection sensor that detects precipitation in the observation range. Weather radar 1 is a wind direction and wind speed sensor that detects wind direction and wind speed in the observation range. The antenna may be an antenna that has a reflector and mechanically changes the azimuth and elevation angles.

[0020] The water vapor lidar 2 is a water vapor detection sensor that observes water vapor amount data representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere above the installation location. The water vapor lidar 2 emits two wavelengths into the atmosphere: a water vapor absorption wavelength that is readily absorbed by water vapor and a non-absorption wavelength that is less readily absorbed. It detects the amount of water vapor from the difference between the signal intensity of the reflected wave of the water vapor absorption wavelength and the signal intensity of the reflected wave of the non-absorption wavelength. The water vapor amount data observed by the water vapor lidar 2 is input to the weather forecasting unit 5.

[0021] The water vapor lidar 2 can operate in two modes: a normal mode that observes the amount of water vapor with a predetermined altitude resolution and precision, and a high-precision mode that observes the amount of water vapor with higher precision. The weather forecasting device 3 determines and controls whether the water vapor lidar 2 operates in normal mode or high-precision mode. When the water vapor lidar 2 operates in high-precision mode, the altitude resolution decreases.

[0022] The water vapor lidar 2 observes wind direction and speed by emitting pulsed laser light into space, receiving reflected waves from aerosols, and measuring the reflection intensity and Doppler velocity. The water vapor lidar 2 observes multiple Doppler velocities by emitting laser light into space at multiple azimuth angles determined by an angle difference from the vertical that is below a predetermined upper limit. The multiple Doppler velocities are processed using the VVP method to calculate wind direction and speed at multiple altitudes above the water vapor lidar. The water vapor lidar 2 is a wind direction and speed sensor that detects wind direction and speed above the installation location.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, the arrangement of weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 will be explained. The weather forecasting system 70 uses one weather radar 1 and sixteen water vapor lidar 2. In Figure 2, the weather forecasting area 31, which is the spatial range for which weather is to be predicted, is approximately square. Weather radar 1 is placed in the center of the weather forecasting area 31. The radar observation range 32, which is the range that weather radar 1 can observe (observation range), includes the weather forecasting area 31. The sixteen water vapor lidar 2 are placed one unit in the approximate center of each of the 16 regions obtained by dividing the weather forecasting area 31 vertically into four equal parts and horizontally into four equal parts. To distinguish each water vapor lidar 2, as shown in Figure 2, water vapor lidars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2 10 , 2 11 , 2 12 , 2 13 , 2 14 , 2 15 , 2 16 Add the sign.

[0024] The radar observation range 32 is the observation range of weather radar 1. A single weather radar 1 is positioned such that its radar observation range 32 encompasses a predetermined weather forecast area 31. Multiple weather radars 1 may be positioned such that the sum of their radar observation ranges 32 encompasses the weather forecast area 31.

[0025] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the weather forecasting device 3 includes a data storage unit 4, a weather forecasting unit 5, and a sensor control unit 6. The data storage unit 4 stores sensor structure data 7, detection parameters 8, weather observation data 9, and weather forecast data 10. Sensor structure data 7 is stored for each weather observation sensor, including the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2. Sensor structure data 7 includes data such as the installation location of the weather observation sensor, the type of data to be observed, the spatial range to be observed (observation range), the observation accuracy, and whether the operating mode can be changed. For weather observation sensors with changeable operating modes, the observation accuracy for each operating mode is also stored in the sensor structure data 7. The data storage unit 4 is a sensor data storage unit that stores the installation location, observation range, and observation accuracy of each weather observation sensor, and if each weather observation sensor is a mode-variable weather observation sensor, it stores the observation accuracy for each operating mode.

[0026] The detection parameter 8 is a parameter (constant) used by the sensor control unit 6. The weather observation data 9 is data that stores weather observation data observed by weather observation sensors, including the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2. The weather observation data includes precipitation data, water vapor amount data, and wind direction and speed data. The weather forecast data 10 is data that represents the weather at a future point in time predicted by the weather forecast unit 1. The weather forecast unit 5 predicts the weather at a future point in time by data assimilation from the weather observation data 9 and generates the weather forecast data 10. The weather forecast data 10 stores precipitation, water vapor amount, and wind direction and speed within the predicted weather forecast area 31 at a future point in time. The weather forecast data 10 also includes weather observation data at the present time as the starting point for the forecast. The present time is the time when the weather forecast unit 5 is activated.

[0027] Based on the weather observation data 9 and weather forecast data 10, the sensor control unit 6 controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the changeable operating mode, by referring to the sensor structure data 7, in order to enable more accurate weather forecasting.

[0028] The weather forecasting unit 5 receives multiple types of weather observation data, including precipitation data and wind direction and speed data, from weather observation sensors, including the weather radar 1. The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit 5 also includes water vapor amount data and wind direction and speed data observed by the water vapor lidar 2. The weather forecasting unit 5 predicts the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 within a predetermined future time range and outputs weather forecast data 10, including precipitation.

[0029] The weather forecasting unit 5 predicts the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 with a period Tc of several minutes. When the weather forecasting unit 5 generates new weather forecast data 10, the sensor control unit 6 controls the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 by referring to the new weather forecast data 10.

[0030] The sensor control unit 6 receives weather observation data 9 and weather forecast data 10 and controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the variable-mode weather observation sensor so that more accurate weather forecasts can be made.

[0031] The sensor control unit 6 includes a precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11, a precipitation range detection unit 12, a heavy rain accumulation range detection unit 13, a normal state control unit 14, a precipitation forecast control unit 15, and a heavy rain control unit 16. The precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11 determines the presence or absence of a precipitation accumulation range 33 and the location of the precipitation accumulation range 33 from the weather observation data 9 and the weather forecast data 10. The precipitation accumulation range 33 is the spatial range in which precipitation is predicted in the weather forecast data 10 at any point in time from the present to a predetermined first time range. The predetermined first time range is the forecast time range, which is a predetermined future time range in which the weather forecast unit 5 predicts the weather. The range in which precipitation is expected at some point in the future is called the forecast precipitation range 34. The precipitation accumulation range 33 is the spatial range obtained by taking the sum of the forecast precipitation ranges 34 from the present to the predetermined first time range.

[0032] Whether or not it is precipitation is determined by whether the amount of precipitation per unit time is above the precipitation detection threshold. If the amount of precipitation is above the precipitation detection threshold, it is determined that precipitation is to be predicted.

[0033] The precipitation range detection unit 12 determines the presence or absence of a precipitation range 35, as well as its location and precipitation amount, from the current weather observation data 9. The precipitation range 35 is the area where the current precipitation amount is equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold. Within the precipitation range 35, the area where the precipitation amount is equal to or greater than the heavy rain threshold is called the concentrated heavy rain range 36. The heavy rain threshold is set to be higher than the precipitation detection threshold.

[0034] The concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 determines the presence or absence of a concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37 and the location of the concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37. The concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37 is a spatial range in which precipitation exceeding the heavy rainfall threshold determined by the weather forecast data 10 is predicted at any point in time from the present to a predetermined second time range. The predetermined second time range is the predicted time range, which is a predetermined future time range in which the weather forecasting unit 5 predicts the weather. The range in which concentrated heavy rainfall is expected at some point in the future is called the predicted concentrated heavy rainfall range 38. The concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37 is a spatial range obtained by taking the sum of the predicted concentrated heavy rainfall ranges 38 from the present to the predetermined second time range.

[0035] Since the spatial area where precipitation exceeding the heavy rain threshold is predicted should be detected as the concentrated heavy rain accumulation area 37, the precipitation in the precipitation accumulation area 33 is above the precipitation detection threshold and below the heavy rain threshold.

[0036] The normal operation control unit 14 controls the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 when the cumulative precipitation range 33 and the cumulative torrential rain range 37 are not detected. The precipitation forecast control unit 15 controls the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 when the cumulative precipitation range 33 is detected. The heavy rain control unit 16 controls the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 when the cumulative torrential rain range 37 is detected.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the predicted precipitation range 34 and the precipitation accumulation range 33 will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining, by way of example, the predicted precipitation range and the precipitation accumulation range detected by the weather prediction system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 shows the case where precipitation is not detected at the current time, and FIG. 4 shows the case where precipitation is detected at the current time. Here, the current time is represented by the variable t now and the length of the first time range used to detect the precipitation accumulation range 33 is represented by the variable T1. The length of the second time range used to detect the heavy precipitation accumulation range 37 is represented by the variable T2. The time point for predicting the start of precipitation (precipitation start prediction time point) is represented by the variable t pr . The precipitation detection threshold for determining that there is precipitation is represented by the variable Q th1 . The heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rain is represented by the variable Q th2 . The precipitation amount is represented by the variable Q. Note that Q th2 >Q th1 .

[0038] The length of the first time range (T1), the length of the second time range (T2), the precipitation detection threshold (Q th1 ), the heavy rain threshold (Q th2 ), etc. are determined in advance and stored in the data storage unit 4 as the detection parameter 8. T1 is determined to be about 10 minutes or more and at most about 60 minutes. T2 is also determined to be about 10 minutes or more and at most about 60 minutes. T2 and T1 may be determined to be the same value or different values. The precipitation detection threshold (Q th1 ) is determined to be about 0.2 mm for the precipitation amount per hour, for example. The heavy rain threshold (Q th2 ) is determined to be about 130 mm for the precipitation amount per 3 hours, for example.

[0039] FIG. 3(A) shows the predicted precipitation range 34 based on the weather prediction data at the precipitation start prediction time point t pr . In FIG. 3(A), the moving direction 39 of the predicted precipitation range 34 is indicated by an arrow. FIG. 3(B) shows that the precipitation amount predicted at any time point from the current time t now to t now +T1 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q th1 ), and at the current time t now from tnow The amount of rainfall predicted to continue until +T1 is below the heavy rain threshold (Q th2 >Q) shows the cumulative precipitation range 33. In Figure 3, etc., the predicted precipitation range 34 or the cumulative precipitation range 33 is represented as a hatched area. The cumulative precipitation range 33 shown in Figure 3(B) includes the predicted precipitation range 34.

[0040] Figure 4(A) shows the current time t now Figure 4(B) shows the precipitation range 35 based on weather forecast data. The cumulative precipitation range 33 shown in Figure 4(B) includes the precipitation range 35 and the predicted precipitation range 34.

[0041] The precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11 detects the precipitation accumulation range 33 by referring to the weather forecast data 10 and the weather observation data 9. The precipitation accumulation range 33 is a high-precision observation range, which is a spatial range in which weather observation data is observed with a higher precision than normal precision. The precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11 is a high-precision observation range detection unit that determines the high-precision observation range based on the weather forecast data. The observation range of the weather radar that is not a high-precision observation range is called the normal precision observation range.

[0042] The cumulative range of torrential rain will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating, by example, the range of torrential rain and the cumulative range of torrential rain detected by the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 5(A) shows the current time t NOW from t NOW This represents the precipitation situation in weather forecast data 10 at t1, which is any point in time up to +T2. The predicted precipitation is above the precipitation detection threshold and below the heavy rain threshold (Q th2 >Q≧Q th1 The predicted precipitation range 34, which is the range where the following condition holds true, is shown with hatching. The predicted amount of precipitation is greater than or equal to the heavy rain threshold (Q≧Q). th2 The area of ​​concentrated heavy rainfall 36, which is the range where the condition ) holds true, is shown with dark hatching. Figure 5(A) also shows the direction of movement 39 of the concentrated heavy rainfall area 36.

[0044] Figure 5(B) shows the current time tNOW from t NOW The predicted precipitation at any point up to +T2 is greater than or equal to the heavy rain threshold (Q≧Q th2 The area where the following condition holds true is shown as the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall, 37. Current time t NOW from t NOW The predicted amount of precipitation at any point up to +T2 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q th1 The condition is met, and the area that is not within the cumulative precipitation range of 37 is shown as the cumulative precipitation range of 33.

[0045] Current time t NOW from t NOW The time range up to +T2 is the current time t NOW This is a second time range determined by the system. The heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 detects the heavy rainfall range 36 and the heavy rainfall cumulative range 37 by referring to the weather forecast data 10 and the weather observation data 9.

[0046] The concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 determines the high-precision observation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data 10, which predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rainfall threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output by the weather forecast unit 5, when the weather forecast data 10 predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rainfall threshold at any point in the predicted time range.

[0047] When torrential rain is predicted, a certain amount of precipitation has often already occurred. To understand the characteristics of the precipitation that has occurred and improve the accuracy of torrential rain prediction, weather radar 1 needs to observe thoroughly in the azimuth and altitude directions within the cumulative torrential rain area. To observe thoroughly in the altitude direction, weather radar 1 observes precipitation and wind direction and speed at higher altitudes than other azimuth angles in the azimuth angle that includes the cumulative torrential rain area 37. To observe at higher altitudes, weather radar 1 also observes at larger elevation angles. It observes at several elevation angles between the horizontal and the largest elevation angle. The maximum number of elevation angles used for observation is, for example, 12.

[0048] If weather radar 1 observes at numerous elevation angles in all azimuth directions, the time required for observation in all directions will increase several times over. Furthermore, the amount of observational data obtained will be enormous, leading to increased data processing time. Therefore, weather radar 1 will only observe at large elevation angles within the azimuth angles that include the predicted cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall 37.

[0049] The cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall 37 is a high-precision observation area, which is a spatial area where meteorological observation data is observed with a higher precision than normal. The cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall detection unit 13 is a high-precision observation area detection unit that determines the high-precision observation area based on meteorological forecast data.

[0050] If a cumulative precipitation range 33 is detected and control is being implemented by the precipitation forecast control unit 15, and the cumulative torrential rain range detection unit 13 detects a cumulative torrential rain range 37, then control will be implemented by the torrential rain control unit 16.

[0051] If a cumulative precipitation range 33 is detected and control is being implemented by the precipitation forecast control unit 15, but the cumulative precipitation range detection unit 13 does not detect the cumulative precipitation range 37 and the cumulative precipitation range detection unit 11 does not detect the cumulative precipitation range 33, then control will be implemented by the normal operation control unit 14.

[0052] If a concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37 is detected and control is being implemented by the heavy rainfall control unit 16, but the concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 does not detect the concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range 37, and the precipitation cumulative range detection unit 11 detects the precipitation cumulative range 33, then control will be implemented by the precipitation forecast control unit 15.

[0053] If a concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative area 37 is detected and control is being implemented by the heavy rainfall control unit 16, but the concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative area detection unit 13 does not detect the concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative area 37 and the precipitation cumulative area detection unit 11 does not detect the precipitation cumulative area 33, then control will be implemented by the normal operation control unit 14.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, the control method of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 by the normal operation control unit 14 will be explained. Figure 6 shows a situation in which no precipitation is detected anywhere in the weather forecast area 31 and no precipitation is predicted. Since neither the cumulative precipitation area 33 nor the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37 is detected, the normal operation control unit 14 operates. The normal operation control unit 14 alternately observes all directions with the weather radar 1 at two elevation angles, 0° and 0.7°. The reason for controlling the weather radar 1 in this way is to detect precipitation as quickly as possible when precipitation begins in the weather forecast area 31. At an elevation angle of 0°, the weather radar 1 cannot observe far distances in the direction of mountains. Therefore, in order to observe far distances even in the direction of mountains, the weather radar 1 also observes all directions at an elevation angle of 0.7°.

[0055] The normal operation control unit 14 operates all water vapor lidars 2 in normal mode. The operating mode in which the normal operation control unit 14 controls the weather radar 1 is called the precipitation search mode. In the precipitation search mode, the weather radar 1 scans the entire weather forecast area 31 as quickly as possible so that it can quickly detect precipitation if it is occurring at any location.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, the control method of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 by the precipitation forecast control unit 15 will be explained. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the control by the precipitation forecast control unit 15 as an example. Figure 7 shows the situation in which a single precipitation accumulation range 33 shown in Figure 3(B) is detected. Figure 7 also shows the wind speed vector 403 used to determine whether the water vapor lidar 23 is upwind of the precipitation accumulation range 33. The wind speed vector 40 is a vector pointing in the direction of the wind direction in the wind direction and wind speed data, and the length of the wind speed vector 40 is proportional to the wind speed.

[0057] When predicting precipitation, the control unit 15 sets the high-sensitivity observation range 41 as the range of azimuth angles that are viewed from the installation position of the weather radar 1 and that point towards the cumulative precipitation range 33. The high-sensitivity observation range 41 is defined as the minimum azimuth angle range that includes the cumulative precipitation range 33, with a predetermined margin angle Δ at the start of rainfall on both sides. y1 This is the range including the margin angle Δ at the start of rainfall. y1This is stored in the data storage unit 4 as detection parameter 8. The range of azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41 is the range of azimuth angles that point towards the cumulative precipitation range 33. The range of azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41 is the range of azimuth angles that do not point towards the cumulative precipitation range 33.

[0058] To predict the conditions during precipitation forecasting within the cumulative precipitation range 33 with greater accuracy, the precipitation forecasting control unit 15 operates the weather radar 1 in high-pulse-number mode within the azimuth angle included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. By operating in high-pulse-number mode, meteorological phenomena within the high-sensitivity observation range 41 can be observed with greater accuracy. In addition, the precipitation forecasting control unit 15 operates the water vapor lidar 2, which is installed near the cumulative precipitation range 33 and upwind, in high-precision mode. By operating the water vapor lidar 2 in high-precision mode, the amount of water vapor flowing into the cumulative precipitation range 33 can be observed with greater accuracy. Water vapor is necessary for precipitation, and by observing the amount of water vapor flowing into the cumulative precipitation range 33 with greater accuracy, the conditions at the start of precipitation can be predicted with greater accuracy. The high-precision mode of the water vapor lidar 2 is an operating mode that observes water vapor amount data (meteorological observation data) with high accuracy.

[0059] When precipitation is predicted, the control unit 15 operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. When precipitation is predicted, the control unit 15 operates the weather radar 1 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. In high-pulse-number mode, the pulse count of the weather radar 1 is increased to n times that of precipitation search mode. n is a real number in the range of approximately 2 to 5. n is called the multiplication coefficient. In other words, the time spent on observation in azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41 is increased to n times that of precipitation search mode. By doing so, weather phenomena in the high-sensitivity observation range 41 are observed with higher accuracy. The control unit 15 determines the multiplication coefficient n such that the time required for the weather radar 1 to observe in all directions is, for example, 120% or less compared to the time when the high-sensitivity observation range 41 is not set.

[0060] When a precipitation forecast is made, the control unit 15 operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar 2 in an operating mode (high-precision mode) that increases the accuracy of water vapor quantity observation, provided that the water vapor lidar 2 is located at a distance of less than or equal to a predetermined proximity judgment distance from the precipitation accumulation range 33 and is also upwind. In the case shown in Figure 7, the control unit 15 controls the water vapor lidar 23 to observe in high-precision mode. In the figure, water vapor lidar 2 observed in high-precision mode is indicated with hatching.

[0061] Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, a method for determining the water vapor lidar 2 located near and upwind of the cumulative precipitation area 33 will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area covered by the water vapor lidar constituting the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. Each water vapor lidar 2 j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j Each water vapor rider 2 j This is the spatial range in which the observed water vapor amount is estimated to be present. The horizontal distribution of water vapor amount shows less spatial variation compared to precipitation. Water vapor lidar 2 j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j Water vapor amount data is observed for each. j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j Each water vapor rider 2 j This is used to determine whether or not the cumulative precipitation area 33 is upwind. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate, by example, how to determine the water vapor lidar installed near and upwind of the cumulative precipitation area in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. Figures 9 and 10 are enlarged views of the area where the cumulative precipitation area 33 is detected in Figure 8. In Figures 9 and 10, the wind direction in the cumulative precipitation area 33 is different.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, each water vapor lidar 2 j The installation location P j The assigned area is a defined distance range centered around [location]. j Each steam lidar 2 j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j Which water vapor lidar 2 is located within the area included in the weather forecast area 31? jArea of ​​responsibility 42 j It is determined so that there are no areas that are not included. Responsible area 42 j For example, it could be a hexagon. Each water vapor lidar 2 j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j Which is the Water Steam Rider 2? j Area of ​​responsibility 42 j It is sufficient that no areas not included in the weather forecast area 31 are defined as such.

[0063] Water vapor lidar 2 near precipitation cumulative range 33 j This is Water Steam Rider 2 j The determination is made based on the distance to the cumulative precipitation area 33. The shortest distance LD to the cumulative precipitation area 33 is the upper limit distance LD. max The following spatial range is called the precipitation vicinity range 43. Note that the upper limit distance LD max This is Water Steam Rider 2 j The installation interval should be determined considering the following: the upper limit distance LD for determining proximity. max This is also called the proximity judgment distance. The precipitation proximity range 43 is shown by a dashed line in the figure. Water vapor lidar 2 near the cumulative precipitation range 33 j The installation location P j Water vapor lidar 2 is included in the precipitation vicinity range 43 but not in the precipitation cumulative range 33. j That is the case.

[0064] Nearby Water Vapor Lidar 2 j Each section explains how to determine if a precipitation accumulation range of 33 is upwind. Nearby water vapor lidar 2 j The Rider nearest point 44 is the point on the boundary of the cumulative precipitation range 33 closest to it. j It is called [this]. Rider's nearest point 44 j Wind direction and speed data observed closest to the wind speed vector 40 j We seek the nearest point to the rider, 44. j Wind speed vector 40 j The wind direction half-line 45 is a half-line extending in the opposite direction. j Draw. Wind speed vector 40 j The opposite direction is the reverse of the wind direction in the wind direction and wind speed data. Therefore, the wind direction half-line 45j is the semi - straight line drawn in the opposite direction of the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data from the closest point 44 to the rider. j For the water vapor rider 2 to be upwind of the precipitation accumulation range 33, the foot of the perpendicular line drawn from the installation position P j to the wind direction semi - straight line 45 j must exist on the wind direction semi - straight line 45. j The foot of the perpendicular line drawn from the installation position P j to the wind direction semi - straight line 45 j exists on the wind direction semi - straight line 45. The water vapor rider 2 j is likely to be upwind. j j j It may be upwind.

[0065] The closest point 44 to the rider j does not have to be a point on the boundary of the precipitation accumulation range 33 closest to the installation position of the water vapor rider 2. The difference between the distance between the installation position of the water vapor rider 2 j and the precipitation accumulation range 33 and the shortest distance LD is within the determined allowable range. A point within this range is defined as the closest point 44 to the rider j If so, it will do. The difference between the distance between the installation position of the water vapor rider 2 j and the precipitation accumulation range 33 and the shortest distance LD is within the determined allowable range. A point within this range is called the point on the boundary of the precipitation accumulation range 33 closest to the installation position of the water vapor rider 2. j j j j

[0066] The closest point 44 to the rider j The wind direction semi - straight line 45 drawn from j The wind direction and wind speed data that determines the direction of the wind direction semi - straight line 45 does not have to be the wind direction and wind speed data observed closest to the closest point 44 to the rider. The wind direction semi - straight line 45 j is determined from the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the closest point 44 to the rider. j The vicinity of the closest point 44 to the rider means the range where the distance from the closest point 44 to the rider j is less than or equal to the vicinity judgment distance. j The vicinity of the closest point 44 to the rider is the range where the distance from the closest point 44 to the rider j is less than or equal to the vicinity judgment distance.

[0067] The water vapor rider 2 that may be upwind jCandidate: Water vapor lidar 2 j It is called [name]. Candidate water vapor lidar 2 j So, that area is 42 j Included in the wind direction semicircle 45 j The wind direction line segment 46 is the part in question. j We will find the wind direction line segment 46. j The length is given by the variable LS. j Represented by: Candidate water vapor lidar 2 j Within that, wind direction semi-linear 45 is responsible for area 42 j The wind direction line segment 46 is the part that passes through it. j A water vapor lidar that satisfies the wind direction line segment condition regarding the length is determined to be upwind of the precipitation accumulation range 33.

[0068] The wind direction line segment conditions for determining the upwind area within a precipitation accumulation range of 33 are as follows: Responsible area 42 j radius LA j Let's explain it assuming that. Wind direction line segment 46 j Length LS j However, radius LA j If multiplied by a threshold β (e.g., 0.8), then (LS) j ≥β*LA j ) is the Water Steam Rider 2 j This is determined to be the upwind direction within the cumulative precipitation area of ​​33. Wind direction segment 46 j Length LS j The threshold for comparison is the assigned area 42 j radius LA j It may be decided without regard to this. In other words, the wind direction segment condition for determining that a precipitation accumulation range of 33 is upwind is satisfied when the length of the wind direction segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0069] Figure 9 shows the case where only water vapor lidar 23 is near the precipitation accumulation area 33 and upwind. Figure 10 shows the case where water vapor lidars 23 and 24 are near the precipitation accumulation area 33 and upwind.

[0070] Candidate Water vapor lidar 2 j Wind direction line segment 46 j Length LS j Other candidate water vapor lidar 2 k Wind direction line segment 46 k Length LSk Without comparison, it may be determined to be upwind. For example, candidate water vapor lidar 2 j Wind direction line segment 46 j Length LS j A wind direction line segment condition may be used in which a value above a predetermined threshold is determined to be the upwind side of the precipitation accumulation range 33.

[0071] The precipitation forecast control unit 15 is a high-precision mode control unit that operates the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 in high-precision mode, which is an operating mode that observes weather observation data with a higher accuracy than normal for the cumulative precipitation range 33.

[0072] The method of controlling the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 by the heavy rain control unit 16 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the control by the heavy rain control unit 16 as an example.

[0073] Figure 11 also shows the wind speed vector 40 at a location included in the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. The heavy rainfall control unit 16 sets the high elevation angle observation range 47 as the range of azimuth angles from the installation position of the weather radar 1 that points towards the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. The high elevation angle observation range 47 is defined as the heavy rainfall margin angle Δ on both sides of the minimum azimuth angle range that includes the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. y2 This is the range including the heavy rainfall margin angle Δ. y2 This is stored as detection parameter 8.

[0074] The heavy rain control unit 16 observes at higher elevation angles within the high elevation angle observation range 47. By doing so, it becomes possible to observe precipitation and wind direction and speed up to high altitudes within the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37, thereby more accurately predicting the development of clouds that cause heavy rainfall, and thus more accurately predicting the area where heavy rainfall occurs and the amount of precipitation caused by heavy rainfall. The range of azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 47 is the range of azimuth angles that point toward the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. The range of azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 47 is the range of azimuth angles that do not point toward the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. The observation method by the weather radar 1 in the high elevation angle observation range 47 will be explained in more detail later.

[0075] The heavy rain control unit 16 operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode in the range of azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 47. This minimizes the increase in the time required for observation by the weather radar 1 due to observing at higher elevation angles within the high elevation angle observation range 47, and allows the time required for the weather radar 1 to observe all directions to be kept below a predetermined multiplier (for example, 1.3 times).

[0076] The supply of water vapor from upwind is necessary for the development of precipitation and the continuation and expansion of torrential downpours. Therefore, in order to accurately predict the development of the torrential downpour area 37, the torrential downpour control unit 16 controls the water vapor lidar 2 located near and upwind of the torrential downpour area 37 to observe water vapor at the expense of altitude resolution, thereby improving the accuracy of water vapor observation. The torrential downpour control unit 16 operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar 2, which is a water vapor lidar 2 whose installation location is less than or equal to a predetermined proximity judgment distance from the torrential downpour area 37 and is upwind of the torrential downpour area 37, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of water vapor observation. The torrential downpour area 37 is a spatial area of ​​a certain size, and the wind direction changes depending on the location within the torrential downpour area 37. The method for determining the water vapor lidar 2 located near and upwind of the torrential downpour area 37 is the same as the method for determining the water vapor lidar 2 located near and upwind of the precipitation area 33.

[0077] The heavy rain control unit 15 is a high-precision mode control unit that operates the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2 in high-precision mode, which is an operating mode that observes weather observation data with a higher precision than normal for the cumulative area of ​​concentrated heavy rainfall 37.

[0078] Referring to Figure 12, the observation method by weather radar 1 in the high elevation angle observation range 47 will be explained. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the elevation angle used by weather radar 1 for observation. Figure 12 is a cross-section perpendicular to the ground. The cross-section shown in Figure 12 is the same cross-section shown as AA in Figure 11. The distance from the installation position of weather radar 1 is called the radar distance. The radar distance is represented by the variable LG. In Figure 12, the radar distance LG is plotted on the horizontal axis and the altitude is plotted on the vertical axis.

[0079] To determine the elevation angle observed in the high elevation angle observation range 47, the shortest and longest distances to the heavy rainfall area are used as data. The shortest and longest distances to the heavy rainfall area are the shortest and longest distances to the radar among the points included in the concentrated heavy rainfall area 37, within the azimuth angle included in the high elevation angle observation range 47. The shortest distance to the heavy rainfall area is set to the variable LG. min This is represented by the variable LG, which represents the longest distance of the heavy rainfall area. max It is represented as follows.

[0080] In Figure 12, the observation range of distance and altitude is shown as follows: the observation altitude range 48 is shown as a dashed line, the weather forecast area 31 as a dotted line, and the observation beam 49 as a solid line. The upper limit of the altitude for the observation altitude range 48 and the weather forecast area 31 is the altitude of the tropopause. The maximum elevation angle determined by some method, which is the heavy rain observation elevation angle, is determined. Weather radar 1 observes at multiple elevation angles in the high elevation angle observation range 47 such that the intervals between the horizontal and the heavy rain observation elevation angle are as even as possible. The maximum number of elevation angles that weather radar 1 uses for observation in the high elevation angle observation range 47 is, for example, 12.

[0081] The upper limit of altitude at which meteorological phenomena occur is the tropopause. The tropopause is determined to some extent by conditions such as atmospheric pressure and temperature. The elevation angle for heavy rain observation is the azimuth angle pointing to the cumulative area of ​​concentrated heavy rain 37, and the shortest distance LG of the heavy rain area. min The altitude at which the transmitted wave passes is determined to be below the altitude of the tropopause. Shortest distance to heavy rain area LG min The location in question is the point with the shortest distance to the heavy rainfall area, as it is included in the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37, which is the point with the shortest distance to weather radar 1.

[0082] The heavy rain control unit 16 controls the weather radar 1 to observe precipitation, wind direction, and wind speed by transmitting a wave up to a heavy rain observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, within the range of azimuth angles facing the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range 37, and receiving the reflected wave. The normal observation elevation angle is the elevation angle at which a wave is transmitted and a reflected wave is received within the range of azimuth angles that do not face the high-precision observation range.

[0083] The heavy rain control unit 16 controls the observation beam 49 of the weather radar 1 to move back and forth within the high elevation angle observation range 47. When changing the azimuth angle of the observation beam 49 within the high elevation angle observation range 47, the elevation angle remains constant. The elevation angle of the observation beam 49 is changed at both ends of the azimuth angle of the high elevation angle observation range 47.

[0084] Refer to Figure 13, and see the water vapor lidar 2 installed near and upwind of the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall 37. j This explains how to determine it. Water vapor lidar 2 near the cumulative area of ​​torrential rain 37. j The shortest distance LD to the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall (37) is the upper limit distance LD. max The following spatial range is called the heavy rainfall vicinity range 50. The heavy rainfall vicinity range 50 is indicated by a dashed line. Water vapor lidar 2 near the cumulative heavy rainfall range 37 j The installation location P j Water vapor lidar 2 is included in the heavy rain vicinity area 50, but not in the concentrated heavy rain cumulative area 37. j That is the case.

[0085] Nearby Water Vapor Lidar 2 j Each section explains how to determine if you are upwind of a concentrated heavy rainfall area of ​​37. Nearby water vapor lidar 2 j Whether a location is upwind of a torrential downpour area 37 is determined in the same way as determining whether it is upwind of a precipitation area 33. Rider nearest point 44 j Wind speed vector 40 j , wind direction half line 45 j and wind direction segment 46 j Using the water vapor rider 2 j This determines whether it is upwind of the area with a cumulative heavy rainfall area of ​​37.

[0086] Rider's nearest point 44 j This is the nearby water vapor lidar 2 j This is the point closest to the boundary of the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall, area 37. Wind speed vector 40 j Rider's nearest point 44 j It is determined from wind direction and wind speed data observed closest to the lidar. 44 nearest points j Wind speed vector 40 j The wind direction half-line 45 is a half-line extending in the opposite direction. j Pull. Water vapor rider 2 j For it to be upwind of the area with a cumulative torrential downpour of 37, the installation location P j From wind direction semi-linear 45 j The foot of the perpendicular line drawn to the wind direction is 45 degrees. j It must be located above. Installation position P j From wind direction semi-linear 45 j The foot of the perpendicular line drawn to the wind direction is 45 degrees. j Water vapor rider 2 located above j It is possible that it is upwind.

[0087] Rider's nearest point 44 j This is Water Steam Rider 2 j The installation location does not have to be the closest point on the boundary of the cumulative heavy rainfall area 37. j The difference between the installation location and the cumulative area of ​​torrential rain 37, and the shortest distance LD, is within the specified allowable range, and the nearest point to the lidar 44 j That would be fine. Water vapor rider 2 j The difference between the installation location and the cumulative area of ​​torrential rain 37, and the shortest distance LD, is within a predetermined allowable range for the location of the water vapor lidar 2. j This is referred to as a point on the boundary of the area of ​​cumulative heavy rainfall 37 closest to the installation location.

[0088] Rider's nearest point 44 j Wind direction semi-linear 45 j The wind direction and speed data that determines the direction is from the lidar's nearest point of 44 j It does not have to be wind direction and speed data observed closest to the lidar. 44 nearest points jFrom wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of 45, the wind direction half-line j You just need to decide the direction.

[0089] Water vapor lidar 2, potentially upwind j Candidate water vapor lidar 2 j So, that area is 42 j Included in the wind direction semicircle 45 j The wind direction line segment 46 is the part in question. j We are looking for candidate water vapor lidar 2. j Within that, wind direction semi-linear 45 is responsible for area 42 j The wind direction line segment 46 is the part that passes through it. j Length LS j A water vapor lidar that satisfies the wind direction line segment conditions is determined to be upwind of the concentrated heavy rainfall area 37.

[0090] The wind direction segment conditions for determining the upwind area within the cumulative area of ​​torrential rainfall (area 37) are as follows: Wind direction segment 46 j Length LS j However, assigned area 42 j radius LA j If multiplied by a threshold β2 (e.g., 0.8), then (LS j ≥β2*LA j ) is the Water Steam Rider 2 j This is determined to be upwind of the concentrated heavy rainfall area 37. Wind direction line segment 46 j Length LS j The threshold for comparison is the assigned area 42 j radius LA j It may be decided without regard to this. In other words, the wind direction segment condition for determining that the area of ​​cumulative heavy rainfall is upwind is satisfied when the length of the wind direction segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0091] Next, the operation will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 1. In step S01, the normal control unit 14 operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode in all directions and operates all water vapor lidars 2 in normal mode. In step S02, the weather radar 1 observes the presence or absence of precipitation, wind direction and wind speed, and generates weather observation data 9. In step S03, the water vapor lidar 2 observes the amount of water vapor in the upper atmosphere, wind direction and wind speed, and generates weather observation data 9. S02 and S03 operate in parallel. In step S04, the precipitation range detection unit 12 determines the presence or absence of a precipitation range 35, the location of the precipitation range 35, and the amount of precipitation from the weather observation data 9, which includes precipitation amount data.

[0092] In step S05, the weather forecasting unit 5 uses weather observation data 9, including precipitation data, water vapor data, and wind direction and speed data, to forecast the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 and generate weather forecasting data 10. In step S06, the precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11 refers to the weather forecasting data 10 and detects the precipitation accumulation range 33. The precipitation accumulation range 33 is determined at the current time t now from t now The amount of precipitation predicted at any point up to +T1 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q). th1 ) and at the present time t now from t now The amount of rainfall predicted to continue until +T1 is below the heavy rain threshold (Q th2 >Q) is the spatial range. In step S07, it is checked whether the cumulative precipitation range 33 is detected. If the cumulative precipitation range 33 is detected (YES in S07), in step S08, the precipitation forecast control unit 15 operates the weather radar 1 in high pulse count mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41, and operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. In S08, the precipitation forecast control unit 15 checks the water vapor lidar 2 installed near the cumulative precipitation range 33 and upwind. j Operate it in high-precision mode, and the other water vapor lidar 2 j Operate it in normal mode.

[0093] If the cumulative precipitation range 33 is not detected (NO in S07), in step S09, the concentrated heavy rainfall range detection unit 13 refers to the weather forecast data 10 and detects the concentrated heavy rainfall range 37. In step S10, it is checked whether the concentrated heavy rainfall range 37 is detected. If the concentrated heavy rainfall range 37 is detected (YES in S10), in step S11, the heavy rainfall control unit 16 controls the weather radar 1 to observe up to the heavy rainfall observation elevation angle for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 47. For azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 47, the heavy rainfall control unit 16 controls the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode. In S11, the heavy rainfall control unit 16 checks the water vapor lidar 2 installed near the concentrated heavy rainfall range 37 and upwind. j Operate it in high-precision mode, and the other water vapor lidar 2 k Operate it in normal mode.

[0094] If the cumulative area of ​​torrential rain 37 is not detected (NO in S10), in step S12 the normal control unit 14 operates the weather radar 1 in omnidirectional precipitation search mode and all water vapor lidar 2 k Operate it in normal mode.

[0095] After the execution of S08, S11, and S12, the process returns to before S02 and S03. The weather forecasting device 3 repeats the processes from S02 and S03 to S12 at a predetermined cycle. More precisely, S08, S11, and S12, along with S02 and S03, are always in operation. The weather forecasting device 3 predicts the weather at a predetermined cycle Tc, and based on the predicted weather phenomena, decides which of S08, S11, and S12 to perform in the next cycle, and then performs the decided process in the next cycle.

[0096] The weather forecasting system 70 can change the operating modes of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2, which are variable-mode weather observation sensors, according to the predicted weather phenomena such as precipitation and torrential rain, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of weather phenomena than before.

[0097] Weather radar 1 operates in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. Weather radar 1 may also increase the pulse length while keeping the pulse count the same for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41. Increasing the pulse length improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the reflected wave of one pulse. Therefore, when the same number of pulses are integrated, the SNR of the integrated reflected wave is better than when the pulse length is not increased. However, increasing the pulse length decreases the distance resolution.

[0098] When predicting precipitation, the control unit 15 can control the weather radar 1 to increase the number of pulses and lengthen the pulse length for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41 compared to azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41.

[0099] The precipitation forecast control unit 15 can control the weather radar 1 to increase the number of pulses and lengthen the pulse length in the azimuth angle range facing the precipitation accumulation range 33 compared to the azimuth angle range not facing the precipitation accumulation range 33.

[0100] The heavy rain control unit 16 may perform RHI (Range Height Indicator) scanning, which keeps the azimuth angle constant and moves the antenna vertically, rather than PPI (Plan Position Indicator) scanning, which keeps the elevation angle constant and changes the azimuth angle.

[0101] The weather forecasting device 3 includes a precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11 and a precipitation forecast control unit 15, and a concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit 13 and a heavy rainfall control unit 16. The weather forecasting device may also include only the precipitation accumulation range detection unit and the precipitation forecast control unit 15. The weather forecasting device may also include only the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit 13 and the heavy rainfall control unit 16.

[0102] If the weather forecasting device has only a precipitation accumulation range detection unit and a precipitation forecast control unit 15, the precipitation accumulation range detection unit will determine the current time t NOW from tNOW The predicted amount of precipitation at any point up to +T2 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q). th1 The area where the condition ) is met is detected as the cumulative precipitation area 33.

[0103] The weather forecasting system 70 observes precipitation using weather radar 1. Precipitation may also be observed using rain gauges or raindrop measuring devices installed at various locations, and this data may be used by the weather forecasting system for weather forecasting. The weather forecasting system 70 observes the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere using water vapor lidar 2. Water vapor may also be observed using devices that observe water vapor from the atmospheric delay of GPS (Global Positioning System) signals or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals, microwave radiometers, or infrared sounders mounted on artificial satellites, and this data may be used by the weather forecasting system for weather forecasting.

[0104] The weather forecasting system 70 measures wind direction and speed using weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2. Wind direction and speed may also be observed using wind measuring lidar or wind profiler and used by the weather forecasting system for weather forecasting.

[0105] Weather forecasting devices may use temperature data and atmospheric pressure data for weather forecasting.

[0106] A weather forecasting system may not include a water vapor lidar and may rely solely on weather radar for weather observation and forecasting. The above also applies to variations and other embodiments.

[0107] Variant expression. A modified example is a modification of Embodiment 1 that does not include a water vapor lidar. The configuration of the weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system according to the modified example of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to the modified example of Embodiment 1. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the weather radar and water vapor lidar in the weather forecasting system according to the modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0108] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the weather forecasting system 70A consists of a weather radar 1 and a weather forecasting device 3A. Regarding Figure 15, the differences from Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 will be explained. The weather forecasting device 3A has modified data storage unit 4A, weather forecasting unit 5A, and sensor control unit 6A. The data storage unit 4A stores sensor structure data 7A, detection parameters 8, weather observation data 9A, and weather forecast data 10A. The sensor structure data 7A does not contain data related to water vapor lidar. The weather observation data 8A does not include water vapor amount data and wind direction / speed data observed by the water vapor lidar. The weather forecast data 10A is weather forecast data predicted by the weather forecasting unit 5A without using weather observation data from the water vapor lidar.

[0109] The weather forecasting unit 5A generates weather forecast data 10A using precipitation data and wind direction and speed data observed by weather radar 1, without using weather observation data from water vapor lidar.

[0110] The sensor control unit 6A modifies the precipitation forecast control unit 15A and the heavy rain control unit 16A. The precipitation forecast control unit 15A and the heavy rain control unit 16A control the weather radar 1 without controlling the water vapor lidar.

[0111] Let's explain the operation. Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a weather forecasting system according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. Let's explain the differences between Figure 17 and Figure 14 in Embodiment 1. S03 is omitted. In step S05A, the weather forecasting unit 5A predicts the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 using weather observation data 9, which includes precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data, and generates weather forecasting data 10A.

[0112] In step S08A, the precipitation forecast control unit 15A operates the weather radar 1 in high pulse count mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41, and operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 41.

[0113] In step S11A, the heavy rain control unit 16A controls the weather radar 1 to observe up to the heavy rain observation elevation angle for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 47. For azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 47, the heavy rain control unit 16A operates the weather radar 1 in precipitation search mode.

[0114] After the execution of S08A, S11, and S12, the process returns to before S02. The weather forecasting device 3A repeats the process from S02 to S12 at a predetermined interval.

[0115] The weather forecasting system 70A can change the operating mode of a variable-mode weather observation sensor called weather radar 1 according to the predicted weather phenomena, such as precipitation and torrential rain, and observe them, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of weather phenomena than before.

[0116] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 is a case in which two weather radars 1 and 32 water vapor lidars 2 are arranged in the weather forecasting area. The configuration of the weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the arrangement of weather radars and water vapor lidars in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2.

[0117] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the weather forecasting system 70B consists of two weather radars 1, 32 water vapor lidars 2, and a weather forecasting device 3B. As shown in Figure 19, the two weather radars 1 are referred to as weather radar 11 and weather radar 12, respectively. The radar observation range 32 is also referred to as radar observation range 321 for weather radar 11 and radar observation range 322 for weather radar 12.

[0118] Regarding Figure 18, the differences from Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 will be explained. The weather forecasting device 3B has modified weather forecasting unit 5B and sensor control unit 6B. The data storage unit 4 stores the same type of data as the weather forecasting device 3, although the size of the weather forecasting area 31, the number of weather radars 1, and the number of water vapor lidars 2 are different. Therefore, the data storage unit 4 has not been modified.

[0119] In the spatial range where radar observation range 321 and radar observation range 322 overlap, the weather forecasting unit 5B uses weather observation data observed by weather radar 11 and weather radar 12 to forecast the weather. Similar to the weather forecasting unit 5, the weather forecasting unit 5B outputs weather forecast data 10.

[0120] The sensor control unit 6B modifies the precipitation forecast control unit 15B and the heavy rain control unit 16B. The precipitation forecast control unit 15B sets the high-sensitivity observation range 411 and high-sensitivity observation range 412 as the range of azimuth angles from which the precipitation cumulative range 33 is viewed from the respective installation positions of the weather radar 11 and weather radar 12, with respect to the precipitation cumulative range 33 detected by the precipitation cumulative range detection unit 11. Figure 20 shows a diagram illustrating the control by the precipitation forecast control unit 15B as an example. The precipitation forecast control unit 15B operates the weather radar 11 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 411, and operates the weather radar 11 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 411. During precipitation forecasting, the control unit 15B operates the weather radar 12 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 412, and in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 412. During precipitation forecasting, the control unit 15B operates the water vapor lidar 2 located near the precipitation accumulation range 33 and upwind in high-precision mode, and operates the other water vapor lidar 2 in normal mode.

[0121] The heavy rain control unit 16B sets high elevation angle observation ranges 471 and 472 as the azimuth angles from which the cumulative heavy rain range 37 detected by the heavy rain accumulation range detection unit 13 can be viewed from the respective installation positions of the weather radars 11 and 12. Figure 21 shows an example illustrating the control by the heavy rain control unit 16B. The heavy rain control unit 16B operates the weather radar 11 in high pulse count mode for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 471, and operates the weather radar 11 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 471. The heavy rain control unit 16B operates the weather radar 12 in high pulse count mode for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 472, and operates the weather radar 12 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 472. The heavy rain control unit 16B operates the water vapor lidar 2 located near the cumulative area of ​​concentrated heavy rainfall 37 and upwind in high-precision mode, and operates the other water vapor lidar 2 in normal mode.

[0122] Let's explain the operation. Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 2. We will explain the differences between Figure 22 and Figure 14 in Embodiment 1. In S05, the weather forecasting unit 5B uses weather observation data 9, including precipitation data, water vapor amount data, and wind direction and wind speed data, to forecast the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 and generate weather forecasting data 10.

[0123] In step S08B, the precipitation forecast control unit 15B operates each of the two weather radars 11 and 12 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the two high-sensitivity observation ranges 411 and 412, respectively, and in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the two high-sensitivity observation ranges 411 and 412. In other words, the precipitation forecast control unit 15B operates weather radar 11 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 411, and in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 411. The precipitation forecast control unit 15B operates weather radar 12 in high-pulse-number mode for azimuth angles included in the high-sensitivity observation range 412, and in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high-sensitivity observation range 412. The precipitation forecast control unit 15B controls the water vapor lidar 2 installed near the precipitation accumulation range 33 and upwind. j Operate it in high-precision mode, and the other water vapor lidar 2 j Operate it in normal mode.

[0124] In step S11B, the heavy rain control unit 16B controls each of the two weather radars 11 and 12 to observe up to the heavy rain observation elevation angle for azimuth angles included in the two high elevation angle observation ranges 471 and 472, respectively, and to operate in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation ranges 47 and 442. In other words, the heavy rain control unit 16B controls weather radar 11 to observe up to the heavy rain observation elevation angle for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 471, and operates weather radar 11 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 471. The heavy rain control unit 16B controls weather radar 12 to observe up to the heavy rain observation elevation angle for azimuth angles included in the high elevation angle observation range 472, and operates weather radar 12 in precipitation search mode for azimuth angles not included in the high elevation angle observation range 472. The heavy rain control unit 16B is located near the cumulative area of ​​concentrated heavy rainfall 37 and upwind of the water vapor lidar 2 j Operate it in high-precision mode, and the other water vapor lidar 2 k Operate it in normal mode.

[0125] After the execution of S08B, S11B, and S12, the process returns to before S02 and S03. The weather forecasting device 3B repeats the processes from S02 and S03 to S12 at a predetermined interval.

[0126] The weather forecasting system 70B can change the operating modes of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2, which are variable-mode weather observation sensors, according to the predicted weather phenomena such as precipitation and torrential rain, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of weather phenomena than conventional systems.

[0127] Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 is a modification of Embodiment 1, in which a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are placed in the weather forecasting area, and the temperature data observed by the temperature sensor and the pressure data observed by the pressure sensor are input to the weather forecasting device and used for weather forecasting. The configuration of the weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the weather radar, water vapor lidar, temperature sensor and pressure sensor in the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3.

[0128] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the weather forecasting system 70C consists of one weather radar 1, sixteen water vapor lidars 2, a weather forecasting device 3C, eight temperature sensors 17, and eight barometric pressure sensors 18. The temperature sensors 17 and barometric pressure sensors 18 cannot change their operating modes.

[0129] Regarding Figure 23, the differences from Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 will be explained. The weather forecasting device 3C has modified data storage unit 4C and weather forecasting unit 5C. The sensor control unit 6 remains unchanged. The data storage unit 4C has modified sensor structure data 7C, weather observation data 9C, and weather forecast data 10C. Sensor structure data 7C also stores the installation position, observation range, and observation accuracy of the temperature sensor 17 and pressure sensor 18. Weather observation data 9C also stores temperature data observed by the temperature sensor 17 and pressure data observed by the pressure sensor 18. Weather forecast data 10C is data representing the weather predicted by the weather forecasting unit 5C using the weather observation data, including temperature data and pressure data.

[0130] The weather forecasting unit 5C receives multiple types of weather observation data, including precipitation data, wind direction and speed data, temperature data, and atmospheric pressure data, from weather observation sensors, including a weather radar 1, a water vapor lidar 2, a temperature sensor 17, and a pressure sensor 18. The weather forecasting unit 5C predicts the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 within a predetermined future time range, which is the forecast time range, and outputs weather forecast data 10C, including precipitation.

[0131] Let's explain the operation. Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 3. We will explain the differences between Figure 25 and Figure 14 in Embodiment 1. Steps S21 and S22 are added as processes that operate in parallel with S02 and S03. In S21, the temperature sensor 17 observes the temperature at its installation location and generates weather observation data 9C. In S22, the pressure sensor 18 observes the atmospheric pressure at its installation location and generates weather observation data 9C.

[0132] In step S05C, the weather forecasting unit 5C uses weather observation data 9C, which includes precipitation data, water vapor content data, wind direction and speed data, temperature data, and atmospheric pressure data, to forecast the weather in the weather forecasting area 31 and generate weather forecasting data 10C.

[0133] After the execution of S08, S11, and S12, the process returns to before S02, S03, S21, and S22. The weather forecasting device 3C repeats the processes from S02, S03, S21, and S22 to S12 at a predetermined cycle.

[0134] The weather forecasting system 70C can change the operating modes of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2, which are variable-mode weather observation sensors, according to the predicted weather phenomena such as precipitation and torrential rain, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of weather phenomena than conventional systems. The weather forecasting device 3C also uses temperature data and atmospheric pressure data to predict the weather, so it can predict the weather with higher accuracy than when temperature data and atmospheric pressure data are not used.

[0135] Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 is a modification of Embodiment 1 in which the sensor control unit 6 does not have a concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 and a heavy rainfall control unit 16. The configuration of the weather forecasting device and weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 26. Figure 26 is a schematic block diagram of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 4.

[0136] Regarding Figure 26, the differences from Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 will be explained. The weather forecasting device 3D has modified data storage unit 4D and sensor control unit 6D. The weather forecasting unit 5 remains unchanged. The sensor control unit 6D does not have a concentrated heavy rainfall cumulative range detection unit 13 and a heavy rainfall control unit 16. The weather forecasting device 3D has modified precipitation cumulative range detection unit 11D. The data storage unit 4D has modified detection parameters 8D. Detection parameters 8D include the length of the second time range (T2) and the heavy rainfall threshold (Q). th2 ) does not include.

[0137] The weather forecasting device 3D does not detect torrential rain. Therefore, the precipitation accumulation range detection unit 11D does not detect the current time t NOW from t NOW The predicted amount of precipitation at any point up to +T2 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q). th1 The area where the condition ) is met is detected as the cumulative precipitation area 33.

[0138] Let's explain the operation. Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weather forecasting system according to Embodiment 4. We will now explain the differences between Figure 27 and Figure 14 in Embodiment 1. If steps S09 to S11 are omitted and the cumulative precipitation range 33 is not detected (NO in S07), proceed to S12. In S12, the control unit 14 normally operates the weather radar 1 in omnidirectional precipitation search mode, and all water vapor lidar 2 k Operate it in normal mode.

[0139] In step S06D, the precipitation cumulative range detection unit 11D detects the precipitation cumulative range 33 by referring to the weather forecast data 10. The precipitation cumulative range 33 is determined at the current time t now from t now The amount of precipitation predicted at any point up to +T1 is greater than or equal to the precipitation detection threshold (Q≧Q). th1 This is the spatial range that is defined as follows.

[0140] After the execution of S08 and S12, the program returns to the state before S02 and S03.

[0141] The weather forecasting system 70D can change the operating modes of the weather radar 1 and water vapor lidar 2, which are variable-mode weather observation sensors, according to the weather phenomenon being predicted, such as precipitation, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of weather phenomena than before.

[0142] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0143] (Note 1) A weather observation sensor is a variable-mode weather observation sensor that can operate in multiple operating modes and observes precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data representing wind direction and wind speed within an observation range, which is a spatial range to be observed. The weather observation sensor includes one or more weather radars arranged so that the observation range encompasses a predetermined weather forecast area, and the weather observation data, including the precipitation data and the wind direction and wind speed data, is input to a weather forecasting unit that predicts the weather in the weather forecast area within a predetermined future time range, which is a forecast time range, and outputs weather forecast data including precipitation. A sensor data storage unit that stores the installation location, observation range, and observation accuracy of each weather observation sensor, and if each weather observation sensor is a mode-variable weather observation sensor, stores the observation accuracy for each operating mode, A weather forecasting device comprising: a sensor control unit that receives the aforementioned weather forecast data and controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the mode-variable weather observation sensor. (Note 2) The weather forecasting device described in Appendix 1, wherein the water vapor amount data observed by a water vapor detection sensor, which observes water vapor amount data representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere above the installation location, is input to the weather forecasting unit. (Note 3) At least one of the water vapor detection sensors is a water vapor lidar which is a mode-variable weather observation sensor, The weather radar and the water vapor lidar are wind direction and wind speed sensors that observe the wind direction and wind speed data. The weather forecasting device according to Appendix 2, wherein the sensor control unit also controls the water vapor lidar. (Note 4) The sensor control unit includes a high-precision observation range detection unit that determines a high-precision observation range, which is a spatial range for observing the weather observation data with a higher accuracy than normal, based on the weather forecast data. The weather forecasting device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a high-precision mode control unit that operates the mode-variable weather observation sensor in a high-precision mode, which is an operating mode that observes the weather observation data with a higher precision than normal precision over the high-precision observation range. (Note 5) The high-precision observation range detection unit determines the high-precision observation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold at any point in the forecast time range, where the weather forecast data is output with a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold at any point in the forecast time range. The weather forecasting device according to Appendix 4, wherein the high-precision mode control unit controls the weather radar to perform at least one of increasing the number of pulses and increasing the pulse length in the azimuth angle range facing the high-precision observation range compared to the azimuth angle range not facing the high-precision observation range. (Note 6) The high-precision observation range detection unit determines the high-precision observation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, and in which the weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range is output. The weather forecasting device as described in Appendix 4, wherein the high-precision mode control unit controls the weather radar to transmit the transmitted wave up to a heavy rain observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is the elevation angle at which the transmitted wave is transmitted and the reflected wave is received in the azimuth angle range not facing the high-precision observation range, and receives the reflected wave to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed. (Note 7) When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold for detecting precipitation at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a precipitation accumulation range detection unit that determines the precipitation accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. A weather forecasting device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a precipitation forecasting control unit that controls the weather radar to perform at least one of increasing the number of pulses and increasing the pulse length in the range of azimuth angles that face the precipitation accumulation range compared to the range of azimuth angles that do not face the precipitation accumulation range. (Note 8) When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit that determines the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. A weather forecasting device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a heavy rainfall control unit that controls the weather radar to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed by transmitting the transmitted wave up to a heavy rainfall observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle for transmitting the transmitted wave and receiving the reflected wave in a range of azimuth angles not facing the heavy rainfall accumulation range, and receiving the reflected wave. (Note 9) When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold for detecting precipitation at any point in the predicted time range, and predicts a precipitation amount less than a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rain at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a precipitation accumulation range detection unit that determines the precipitation accumulation range so as to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data with a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold is output at any point in the predicted time range. The sensor control unit includes a precipitation forecast control unit that controls the weather radar to perform at least one of the following: increase the number of pulses and increase the pulse length in the azimuth angle range facing the precipitation accumulation range compared to the azimuth angle range not facing the precipitation accumulation range. When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit that determines the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. A weather forecasting device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a heavy rainfall control unit that controls the weather radar to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed by transmitting the transmitted wave up to a heavy rainfall observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle for transmitting the transmitted wave and receiving the reflected wave in a range of azimuth angles not facing the heavy rainfall accumulation range, and receiving the reflected wave. (Note 10) The weather forecasting device described in Appendix 7 when referring to Appendix 3 or Appendix 9 when referring to Appendix 3, wherein the precipitation forecasting control unit operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the precipitation accumulation range, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the water vapor amount observation. (Note 11) The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the precipitation accumulation range if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the vicinity of the installation position, in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the precipitation accumulation range closest to the installation position, lies on the wind direction half-line, and the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment, which is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area, is satisfied. This weather forecasting device is as described in Appendix 10. (Note 12) The weather forecasting device described in Appendix 11 satisfies the wind direction line segment condition when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. (Note 13) The heavy rain control unit is configured such that the installation position of the water vapor lidar is at a distance of less than or equal to a predetermined proximity judgment distance from the area of ​​concentrated heavy rain, and the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the area of ​​concentrated heavy rain, is operated in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the observation of water vapor amount, as described in Appendix 8 when referring to Appendix 3, or Appendix 9 when referring to Appendix 3. (Note 14) The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the heavy rain accumulation area if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the vicinity of the installation position, in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the heavy rain accumulation area closest to the installation position, lies on the wind direction half-line, and the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment that is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area is satisfied. This is the weather forecasting device described in Appendix 13. (Note 15) The weather forecasting device described in Appendix 14 satisfies the wind direction line segment condition when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. (Note 16) The heavy rain control unit determines the heavy rain observation elevation angle such that, in the azimuth angle in which the weather radar is pointed towards the area of ​​cumulative heavy rain, the elevation angle of the transmitted wave is lower than the elevation of the tropopause at the point of shortest distance to the heavy rain area, which is a point included in the area of ​​cumulative heavy rain where the distance to the weather radar is shortest. This is a weather forecasting device as described in any one of the appendices 8, 9, 13 to 15. (Note 17) The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit includes temperature data, which is the temperature at the installation location observed by the temperature sensor, which is a weather observation sensor, and pressure data, which is the pressure at the installation location observed by the pressure sensor, which is a weather observation sensor. The weather forecasting device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 16, wherein the weather forecasting unit also uses the temperature data and the atmospheric pressure data to forecast the weather. (Note 18) A weather forecasting device described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 17, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned weather radar. (Note 19) A weather forecasting device as described in Appendix 3, or any one of Appendix 10 to Appendix 15, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

[0144] It is possible to freely combine each embodiment, modify each embodiment or omit some of its components, or freely combine each embodiment with some components omitted or modified. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 70, 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D weather forecasting systems. 1, 11, 12 weather radar, 2. Water vapor lidar (water vapor detection sensor), 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D weather forecasting equipment, 4, 4A, 4C Data storage unit (sensor data storage unit), 5, 5A, 5B, 5C Weather Forecasting Department 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D Sensor control unit, 7, 7A, 7C Sensor Structure Data 8 detection parameters, 9, 9A, 9C weather observation data, 10, 10A, 10C weather forecast data, 11, 11D Precipitation Cumulative Range Detection Unit (High-Precision Observation Range Detection Unit), 12. Precipitation range detection unit, 13. Accumulated Heavy Rainfall Area Detection Unit (High-Precision Observation Area Detection Unit), 14 Normal operation control unit, 15, 15A, 15B Precipitation forecast control unit (high-precision mode control unit), 16, 16A, 16B Heavy Rain Control Unit (High-Precision Mode Control Unit) 17 Temperature sensor, 18. Barometric pressure sensor, 31. Weather forecasting area, 32, 321, 322 radar observation range, 33. Cumulative precipitation area, 34. Predicted precipitation area, 35. Area of ​​precipitation, 36 Area affected by torrential rain, 37. Cumulative area affected by torrential rain, 38. Predicted area of ​​torrential rain, 39 Direction of movement, 40, 40 j Wind speed vector, 41, 411, 412 High-sensitivity observation range (high-precision observation range), 42, 42 j Area of ​​responsibility, 43. Area near precipitation, 44, 44 j Rider's nearest point, 45, 45 j Wind direction half line, 46, 46 j wind direction line, 47, 471, 472 high elevation angle observation range (high-precision observation range), 45 Observation altitude and distance range, 46 observation beams, 47. Area near the heavy rainfall, 60 networks.

Claims

1. A weather observation sensor is a variable-mode weather observation sensor capable of operating in multiple operating modes, which observes precipitation data and wind direction and wind speed data representing wind direction and wind speed within an observation range, which is a spatial range to be observed, and the weather observation sensor, which includes one or more weather radars arranged so that the observation range encompasses a predetermined weather forecast area, receives weather observation data including the precipitation data and the wind direction and wind speed data, and a weather forecasting unit predicts the weather in the weather forecast area within a predetermined future time range, which is a forecast time range, and outputs weather forecast data including precipitation. A sensor data storage unit that stores the installation location, observation range, and observation accuracy of each weather observation sensor, and if each weather observation sensor is a mode-variable weather observation sensor, stores the observation accuracy for each operating mode, A weather forecasting device comprising: a sensor control unit that receives the aforementioned weather forecast data and controls the weather observation sensor, including changing the operating mode of the mode-variable weather observation sensor.

2. The weather forecasting device according to claim 1, wherein the water vapor amount data observed by a water vapor detection sensor, which observes water vapor amount data representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere above the installation location, is input to the weather forecasting unit.

3. At least one of the water vapor detection sensors is a water vapor lidar which is a mode-variable weather observation sensor, The weather radar and the water vapor lidar are wind direction and wind speed sensors that observe the wind direction and wind speed data. The weather forecasting device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor control unit also controls the water vapor lidar.

4. The sensor control unit includes a high-precision observation range detection unit that determines a high-precision observation range, which is a spatial range for observing the weather observation data with a higher accuracy than normal, based on the weather forecast data. The weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a high-precision mode control unit that operates the mode-variable weather observation sensor in a high-precision mode, which is an operating mode that observes the weather observation data with a higher precision than normal precision over the high-precision observation range.

5. The high-precision observation range detection unit determines the high-precision observation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold at any point in the forecast time range, where the weather forecast data is output with a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold at any point in the forecast time range. The weather forecasting device according to claim 4, wherein the high-precision mode control unit controls the weather radar to perform at least one of increasing the number of pulses and increasing the pulse length in the azimuth angle range facing the high-precision observation range compared to the azimuth angle range not facing the high-precision observation range.

6. The high-precision observation range detection unit determines the high-precision observation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, and in which the weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range is output. The weather forecasting device according to claim 4, wherein the high-precision mode control unit controls the weather radar to transmit the transmitted wave up to a heavy rain observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal and receives the reflected wave to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed.

7. When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold for detecting precipitation at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a precipitation accumulation range detection unit that determines the precipitation accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. A weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a precipitation forecasting control unit that controls the weather radar to perform at least one of increasing the number of pulses and increasing the pulse length in the range of azimuth angles that face the precipitation accumulation range compared to the range of azimuth angles that do not face the precipitation accumulation range.

8. The weather forecasting device according to claim 7, when referring to claim 3, wherein the precipitation forecasting control unit operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the precipitation accumulation range, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the water vapor amount observation.

9. The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the precipitation accumulation range if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the vicinity of the installation position, in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the precipitation accumulation range closest to the installation position, lies on the wind direction half-line, and satisfies the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment that is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area.

10. The weather forecasting device according to claim 9, wherein the wind direction line segment condition is satisfied when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

11. When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit that determines the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. The weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a heavy rain control unit that controls the weather radar to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed by transmitting the transmitted wave up to a heavy rain observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal and receiving the reflected wave.

12. The weather forecasting device according to claim 11, when referring to claim 3, wherein the heavy rain control unit operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the heavy rain accumulation area, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the observation of the amount of water vapor.

13. The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the heavy rain accumulation area if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the vicinity of the installation position, in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the concentrated heavy rain accumulation area closest to the installation position, and the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment, which is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area, is found to be upwind of the concentrated heavy rain accumulation area.

14. The weather forecasting device according to claim 13, wherein the wind direction line segment condition is satisfied when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

15. When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a precipitation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined precipitation detection threshold for detecting precipitation at any point in the predicted time range, and predicts a precipitation amount less than a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rain at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a precipitation accumulation range detection unit that determines the precipitation accumulation range so as to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data with a precipitation amount equal to or greater than the precipitation detection threshold is output at any point in the predicted time range. The sensor control unit includes a precipitation forecast control unit that controls the weather radar to perform at least one of the following actions: increase the number of pulses and increase the pulse length in the azimuth angle range that points towards the precipitation accumulation range compared to the azimuth angle range that does not point towards the precipitation accumulation range. When the weather forecasting unit outputs weather forecast data that predicts a rainfall amount exceeding a predetermined heavy rain threshold for determining heavy rainfall at any point in the predicted time range, the sensor control unit has a concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range detection unit that determines the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation range to include the spatial range in which the weather forecast data, which predicts a rainfall amount exceeding the heavy rain threshold at any point in the predicted time range, is output. The weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor control unit has a heavy rain control unit that controls the weather radar to observe precipitation, wind direction and wind speed by transmitting the transmitted wave up to a heavy rain observation elevation angle, which is a higher elevation angle than the normal and receiving the reflected wave.

16. The weather forecasting device according to claim 15, as referenced to claim 3, wherein the precipitation forecasting control unit operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the precipitation accumulation range, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the water vapor amount observation.

17. The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The weather forecasting device according to claim 16, wherein the heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the precipitation accumulation range if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed near the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the precipitation accumulation range closest to the installation position, lies on the wind direction half-line, and the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment, which is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area, is satisfied.

18. The weather forecasting device according to claim 17, wherein the wind direction line segment condition is satisfied when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

19. The weather forecasting device according to claim 15, when referring to claim 3, wherein the heavy rain control unit operates the nearby upwind water vapor lidar, which is the water vapor lidar located upwind of the heavy rain accumulation area, in an operating mode that increases the accuracy of the observation of the amount of water vapor.

20. The sensor data storage unit stores the area of ​​responsibility of the water vapor lidar, The heavy rain control unit determines that the water vapor lidar is upwind of the heavy rain accumulation area if the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the installation position to the wind direction half-line, which is a half-line drawn from the lidar nearest point in the vicinity of the installation position, in the opposite direction to the wind direction of the wind direction and wind speed data observed in the vicinity of the lidar nearest point, which is a point on the boundary of the heavy rain accumulation area closest to the installation position, lies on the wind direction half-line, and satisfies the wind direction segment condition for the length of the wind direction segment that is the portion of the wind direction half-line that passes through the assigned area.

21. The weather forecasting device according to claim 20, wherein the wind direction line segment condition is satisfied when the length of the wind direction line segment is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

22. The heavy rainfall control unit determines the heavy rainfall observation elevation angle such that, in the azimuth angle in which the weather radar is pointed towards the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation area, the elevation angle of the transmitted wave becomes lower than the elevation of the tropopause at the point of shortest distance to the heavy rainfall area, which is a point included in the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation area that is the shortest distance from the weather radar.

23. The heavy rainfall control unit determines the heavy rainfall observation elevation angle such that, in the azimuth angle in which the weather radar is pointed towards the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation area, the elevation angle of the transmitted wave is lower than the elevation of the tropopause at the point of shortest distance to the heavy rainfall area, which is a point included in the concentrated heavy rainfall accumulation area that is the shortest distance from the weather radar.

24. The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit includes temperature data, which is the temperature at the installation location observed by the temperature sensor, which is a weather observation sensor, and pressure data, which is the pressure at the installation location observed by the pressure sensor, which is a weather observation sensor. The weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weather forecasting unit also uses the temperature data and the atmospheric pressure data to forecast the weather.

25. The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit includes temperature data, which is the temperature at the installation location observed by the temperature sensor, which is a weather observation sensor, and pressure data, which is the pressure at the installation location observed by the pressure sensor, which is a weather observation sensor. The weather forecasting device according to claim 7, wherein the weather forecasting unit also uses the temperature data and the atmospheric pressure data to forecast the weather.

26. The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit includes temperature data, which is the temperature at the installation location observed by the temperature sensor, which is a weather observation sensor, and pressure data, which is the pressure at the installation location observed by the pressure sensor, which is a weather observation sensor. The weather forecasting device according to claim 11, wherein the weather forecasting unit also uses the temperature data and the atmospheric pressure data to forecast the weather.

27. The weather observation data input to the weather forecasting unit includes temperature data, which is the temperature at the installation location observed by the temperature sensor, which is a weather observation sensor, and pressure data, which is the pressure at the installation location observed by the pressure sensor, which is a weather observation sensor. The weather forecasting device according to claim 15, wherein the weather forecasting unit also uses the temperature data and the atmospheric pressure data to forecast the weather.

28. A weather forecasting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned weather radar.

29. The weather forecasting device according to claim 7, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned weather radar.

30. The weather forecasting device according to claim 11, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned weather radar.

31. A weather forecasting device according to claim 15, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned weather radar.

32. The weather forecasting device according to claim 3, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

33. A weather forecasting device according to claim 8, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

34. A weather forecasting device according to claim 12, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

35. A weather forecasting device according to claim 16, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

36. A weather forecasting device according to claim 19, The aforementioned weather radar and, A weather forecasting system comprising the aforementioned water vapor lidar.

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