Radar reflectivity houston

Scientists use these products to detect precipitation, evaluate storm structure, locate boundaries, and determine hail potential. Data values are actual reflectivity values uses the 0. RAW Raw Composite Reflectivity Composite Reflectivity is a display of maximum reflectivity for the total volume within the range of the radar.

These products reveal the highest reflectivities in all echoes, examine storm structure features, and determine the intensity of storms. V18 Echo Tops An image of the echo top heights color-coded in user-defined increments. Scientists use this product for a quick estimation of the most intense convection and higher echo tops, as an aid in identification of storm structure features, and for pilot briefing purposes.

Data values are actual reflectivity values. RAW Super Resolution Base Velocity A measure of the radial component of the wind either toward the radar negative values or away from the radar positive values.

Cool colors green represent negative values and warm colors red represent positive values. Scientists use these products to estimate wind speed and direction, locate boundaries, locate severe weather signatures, and identify suspected areas of turbulence. Data values are actual velocity values. The product displays the predefined categories that were most likely the cause of the radar echo at that location. Large positive values indicate that targets are generally much larger horizontally than vertically.

Values near zero indicate the targets are generally spherical. Negative values indicate targets are larger in the vertical than in the horizontal. This product assesses rainfall intensities for flash flood warnings, urban flood statements, and special weather statements.

These are in inches and uses a dynamic scale, based on precipitation rate. Color indices are the same as base velocity. Comparing the storm relative motion image with base velocity image helps identify the rotating storm. This product uses the PPS algorithm. Scientists use this product to locate flood potential over urban or rural areas, estimate total basin runoff, and provide rainfall data 24 hours a day. This product is an effective hail indicator, used to locate most significant storms, and to identify areas of heavy rainfall.

The dual-polarization QPE algorithm is used and possible data levels are available. Time Auto-Update active. Base reflectivity dBZ. A few tips on reflectivity data: In cold climates during the winter months, actual dBZ values rarely exceed Bright reflectivity returns that are stationary and appear during both calm and inclement weather are usually land-based obstructions such as mountains, trees, or especially wind farms nothing gets electromagnetic signals confused like spinning metal blades!

During severe weather situations, reflectivity signatures can provide valuable clues as to what threats to expect from a particular cell. Things to watch for: Bow echoes- when a storm looks like a bow as in bow-and-arrow , it signals a strong push of cold outflow near the surface. Watch for strong winds along the leading edge of this! Hail cores- if you see dBZ values exceeding 60, watch for large hail.

Hook echoes- if you see a storm moving towards you that looks like a fish hook, especially a fish hook with a barb on the end, take cover! This signature indicates the presence of a strongly rotating mesocyclone- often an immediate precursor to tornado development.

Radar can see things in the atmosphere other than precipitation. To scroll through the results, use the links at the bottom of the page. Clicking on any instrument name will take you to a page providing full information on that instrument. Create new account Request new password.

Search form Search. Leave this field blank. Browse Help. AVE Houston. Currently displayed: instruments 1 - 7 of 7. Title or Acronym.