Radar Operations Center

NWS WSR-88D - Level II Event Data

Level II data are the digital radial base data (Reflectivity, Mean Radial Velocity, and Spectrum Width) and Dual Polarization variables (Differential Reflectivity, Correlation Coefficient, and Differential Phase) output from the signal processor in the Radar Data Acquisition unit. The output also includes status information required to properly interpret the data (e.g., information on synchronization, calibration, date, time, antenna position, Nyquist velocity, and operational mode). Level II data are used for many purposes including: support of operations, maintenance and developmental activities at the ROC; activities directed toward algorithm and product improvement; research by universities; and private sector uses/applications. The Level II data are sent to the National Centers for Environmental Information by the NWS WSR-88D National Level II (NL2) system.

Level II data is continuously transmitted and archived from all DOC, DoD and DOT WSR-88D systems and are available via FTP download here.

The interface control documents describing the NEXRAD RPG Level II data format is available by clicking here.

The interface control documents describing the TDWR SPG Level II data format is available by clicking here.

The interface control document describing the NPN data format is available by clicking here.

The following is a list of public documents that can be viewed or downloaded, relating to Level II data:

RDS Public IP Address Change, August 2023

Level II Network Architecture, January 2023 (PDF) - Updated 01/31/23

List of Connected Sites and Planned Sites (PDF) - Updated 01/10/18

Briefing Slides Used at 08/05/14 FOS Meeting (PDF) - Updated 10/16/14

2011 AMS IIPS Level II Paper (PDF)

Final Refreshed Level II Network Architecture, November 2014 (PDF)

Points of Contact at Top Tier Sites for Obtaining Data Feeds (PDF) - Updated 05/13

NOAA Press Release of 4/13/04 (PDF)

Update (PDF) - Updated 07/30/12

FAQ (PDF) - Updated 10/24/11

WSR-88D Super Resolution and MG31 Information

• Super-Res and Recombined Analysis (PDF) - Updated 12/04/07
• Public Announcements (PDF) - Updated 11/27/07
• Recombination Algorithm (PDF)
• Build 10 Changes Affecting Users of Level II Data (PDF) - Updated 05/02/08

Level II News Items

Eight WSR-88D sites (remaining DoD CONUS sites) now scheduled to be added to the NWS WSR-88D Level II Data Collection, Distribution, and Archive network 2013.

Technical Implementation Notice 13-37

NWS WSR-88D Level II Data Collection and Distribution Network Information

View the Current Level II Data Flow from NWS		Download ARCHIVED Level II Data from NCDC NEXRAD Data Inventory		Visit the Level II Status pages at Weather.gov