A system that uses radio waves to detect precipitation, its intensity and movement. Essential for tracking rain, thunderstorms and typhoons in real time.
forecastingWhat is Weather Radar?
Weather radar transmits microwave pulses and measures the energy reflected back by rain, snow, hail and other precipitation. Doppler radar can also measure the velocity of precipitation, detecting wind patterns inside storms. Modern dual-polarization radar can distinguish rain from snow, hail and debris. Radar networks are critical for nowcasting — very short-range (0–2 hour) forecasts used for severe weather warnings.
Key points
- A system that uses radio waves to detect precipitation, its intensity and movement. Essential for tracking rain, thunderstorms and typhoons in real time.
- Category: forecasting
Related terms
See also: weather-radar is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.