Introduction. Precipitation intensity is measured by a ground-based radar that bounces radar waves off of precipitation. ... "Reflectivity" is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver after hitting precipitation, compared to a reference power density at a distance of 1 meter from the radar antenna.

What are the four main categories of radar reflectivity?

Beginning in late spring 2006, pilots will hear ATC use four terms, “light,” “moderate,” “heavy,” and “extreme” to describe weather radar echoes. Each term represents a precipitation intensity level paired with a dBZ range (Figure 1) to help pilots interpret the severity of the flight con- ditions present.

What is a radar reflectivity image?

Reflectivity images are just as they sound as they paint a picture of the weather from the energy reflected back to the radar. Reflectivity images are the vast majority of radar images you will see on television as well.