Radar basics
How Weather Radar Works
Radar detects precipitation intensity and movement. It helps you see storms approaching but does not issue warnings.
Reading radar colors
Darker greens and yellows indicate light to moderate rain. Reds and purples indicate intense precipitation.
- Radar shows where rain or snow is falling
- Motion shows storm direction and speed
- Radar cannot see all hazards like tornadoes directly
Limitations
Radar beams can miss low-level features. Always pair radar with official NWS alerts for your area.