Radar sends out a signal:The radar emits a pulse of microwave radio waves into the sky.
Signal hits precipitation:When the radio waves encounter raindrops, snowflakes, or hail, some of the energy is reflected back toward the radar.
Radar receives the echo:The radar detects the reflected waves (called an echo) and measures how long it took to return. This tells the distance of the precipitation.
Measures intensity:The strength of the returned signal shows how heavy the precipitation is. Stronger echoes usually mean heavier rain or hail.
Determines motion:Some radars use the Doppler effect. By observing changes in the frequency of the reflected waves, this helps detect wind patterns, rotation, and storm motion.
Creates the radar image:Computers process all the data to produce a radar map, showing areas of precipitation, intensity (light, moderate, heavy), and sometimes movement.