This approach helps meteorologists see what’s behind a heavy precipitation band and more realistically depict what is occurring at the ground level. Another option is to purchase a network of X-Band radars and position them in fixed locations.The radar could be driven to the storm to gain a more accurate depiction of dangerous weather at the ground level rather than using a fixed radar in which the beam would get higher above ground as it got farther away from the radar tower. Since it is small, this radar can be mounted on a trailer or truck, making it very mobile.There are two ways in which most broadcasters would use an X-Band radar: The X-Band radar generally uses a smaller antenna dish and therefore is much less expensive than C- and S-Band radars. This can block the radar from seeing past the initial band of precipitation to identify what could be approaching. These radars are also more susceptible to attenuation as the smaller wavelength does not allow the radar beam to penetrate through heavy precipitation bands. Use cases: X-Band radars have a smaller wavelength that makes them more sensitive to lighter particles. These radars are generally smaller and less expensive than S-Band weather radars, but more expensive than the smaller X-Band radar. However, the beam does attenuate (that is, loses its strength) much more than the longer wavelength S-Band and therefore does not recognize precipitation rates as accurately as the S-Band. The wavelength of the radar beam can penetrate through moderate to heavy bands of precipitation to identify what is beyond the closest precipitation band. Use cases: C-Band radars are often intended for short-range weather observation but can be used in medium- to long-range precipitation analysis. C-Band radarsįrequency: 4 – 8 GHz, although most weather C-Band radars used for weather operate in the 5.3 – 5.6 GHz range This radar is the most expensive of the three radar bands. However, the ability to see and analyze precipitation returns from greater distances does help the meteorologist generate weather alerts further in advance. Therefore, what is analyzed aloft is not always what one would experience at the ground level. As with all radars, the further the beam is away from the radar site, the higher the beam is above the ground. Use cases: This radar’s longer wavelength allows the beam to penetrate through several bands of precipitation, expanding the range for analysis further than the C-Band radar. This includes the following: S-Band radarsįrequency: 2 – 4 GHz, although most weather S-Band radars operate within the 3.0 – 3.8 GHz frequency Doppler radar can be broken up in terms of wavelength.

Ia doppler weather radar in motion