First Triple‐Frequency Retrievals of Binned Raindrop Size Distributions

Abstract Our understanding of raindrop size distributions (DSDs) aloft is largely limited, owing to a scarcity of effective measurements. In this study, a two‐step optimal estimation technique is developed for retrieving binned DSDs based on a newly developed vertically‐pointing triple‐frequency radar system. In the first step, we employ the Tridon and Battaglia (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jd023023 ) approach for retrieving the DSD shape using Ka‐ and W‐band radar Doppler spectra. In the