Obtaining reliable quantitative precipitation estimation and retrieving microphysical characteristics of precipitation are critical elements both for answering science questions, and for providing data to critical applications. At global scale, precipitation is essential for understanding climate variability and water cycle, while at local scale precipitation measurements are essential to early detection of hydrogeological risk, for water management, agriculture planning, and for smart cities management. More than 50 years of experience have proven the usefulness of electromagnetic remote sensing techniques applied to ground-based systems for precipitation. Remote sensing observations have shown to be very useful to support precipitation related science and application .domains. With deployment of operational systems and field campaigns, we are in a renaissance period of precipitation monitoring and scientific understanding. However, there are still many challenges to undertake in the science and measurement of precipitation that is keeping a large pool of scientists engaged. Emerging inverse techniques and improved retrieval methods, both based on physical assumptions and retrieval methods have boosted research in the field is the theme of this special session.
The session on Remote Sensing of Precipitation invites original research contributions on recent advances in remote sensing of precipitation, including new systems, precipitation retrieval methods, development of products and their validation. Assessment of techniques, multisensor experiments aiming at demonstrating QPE and short-term weather forecasts for mitigating the impact of extreme events are within the scope of the session.