AbstractA simple one‐dimensional microphysical retrieval model is developed for estimating vertical profiles of liquid and frozen hydrometeor mixing ratios from observed vertical profiles of area‐mean vertical velocity in regions of convective and/or stratiform precipitation. The mean vertical‐velocity profiles can be obtained from Doppler radar (single and dual) or other means. The one‐dimensional results are shown to be in good agreement with two‐dimensional microphysical fields from a previous study. Sensitivity tests are