OVERVIEW: Weather radars are specialized systems used to detect and track atmospheric phenomena such as precipitation, storm formations, and wind patterns. They are critical tools for both civilian and military aviation, maritime operations, and meteorological services.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: First deployed in the 1950s and continually evolving, weather radars use Doppler and pulse-based radar techniques to observe meteorological conditions. These radars detect moisture levels, rainfall intensity, cloud formations, and wind shear by analyzing the reflected energy from hydrometeors in the atmosphere. Modern systems typically employ dual-polarization and Doppler processing for improved accuracy in storm tracking and precipitation classification. Platforms include fixed ground stations, aircraft, ships, and satellites.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Meteorological Surveillance
Primary Use: Atmospheric monitoring and weather hazard detection
Function: Precipitation mapping, storm tracking, and turbulence detection
Platform: Ground-based, shipborne, airborne, spaceborne

See Specific information under [Sensors/EW] and [Properties] sections.

SOURCE:
FAA Weather Surveillance Radar Reports
NATO Atmospheric Surveillance Systems