SESAR 3D Radar and Harmonised Turbulence Services

3D Radar for Aviation

Unlike traditional radar images, which show precipitation at the surface, 3D Radar preserves the vertical information from each radar scan across the European network to enable a 3D composite of horizontal reflectivity to be produced. Input radar data is provided via OPERA (EUMETNET Radar Programme) and processed by the Met Office and Météo-France.

What is available and how to access 3D Radar?

• 3D Radar is access via an API data feed, see FAQs for more information
• Data formats available include HDF5 or GRIB2
• Horizontal and Temporal Resolutions: 1KM horizontal resolution with 5-minute updates across the UK-Ireland FAB and FABEC; 2km horizontal resolution and 15-minute updates across the wider European domain
• Meteorological Parameters: 24 vertical levels of Horizontal Reflectivity are available to create a 3D view of rainfall. This enables users to understand the depth and intensity of convective storms and help derive the following 2D outputs:
• • Maximum reflectivity
  • Altitude of maximum reflectivity
  • Echo tops
  • Vertically Integrated Liquid (hail potential)

The SWIM Service Description for 3D Radar is available on the EUROCONTROL SWIM Registry, click here to read 3D RADAR Service (HDF5) or 3D Radar Service (GRIB2).

Guidance and additional information

The following documents provide guidelines for using the data and more information about the service:

• 3D Radar User Guide
• Statement of Operational Use
• Frequently asked questions 
• The SWAGGER Definition which specifies the format of the API requests

If you would like to speak to a member of the Met Office team about 3D Radar please contact Transport@metoffice.gov.uk

You can stay up-to-date with what is happening across our aviation services, by following our Met Office Aviation Services LinkedIn page.  

SESAR Deployment Projects

The Met Office worked with several European partners on three SESAR Deployment Manager projects between 2016 and 2021 to give aviation stakeholders a common weather reference across Europe and tools to support dynamic decision-making. 3D Radar was developed through these projects and later made operationally available. Harmonised Forecasts of Adverse Weather covering turbulence, icing and convection were also developed, but from June 2026 these will no longer be operationally supported and therefore no longer available to aviation users.