Dual-polarization radars emerge as a standard for operational weather radar networks around the world. Polarimetric upgrade of operational radars is primarily driven by the proven advantages in the quantitative precipitation estimation, hydrometeor classification, severe weather warnings, and overall data quality improvement.  Additionally, polarimetric radar data present tremendous resource for optimization of cloud models via improvement of their microphysical parameterization or direct assimilation of radar data into the models.

The focus of this talk is on the microphysical and thermodynamic retrievals using operational and research polarimetric radars. Novel approaches for retrievals of liquid and ice water content, precipitation rate, mean volume diameter, and total number concentration in rain and ice will be described and illustrated with numerous examples.

Thermodynamic retrievals with polarimetric radars is another promising direction of research. Polarimetric radar variables are very sensitive to the phase transitions of water and associated diabatic warming  / cooling. Possible ways to estimate latent heat release / absorption caused by the processes of condensation / evaporation and melting / freezing will be discussed.