Abstract
The difference in the absorbance of water for near-infrared light at wavelengths of 945 and 1450 nm was used to distinguish between three different precipitation types: snow, sleet, and rain. From the ratio of the number of generated light absorption events at the two wavelengths, a distinction between snow, sleet and rain events was demonstrated. The weather judgment results by this system were consistent with those obtained from the meteorological observatory weather database. This system will be useful for environmental measurement and disaster control.
