APPENDIX > NEXRAD OVERVIEW
NEXRAD Intensity
Colors are used to identify the different NEXRAD echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ. (decibels of Z).
“Reflectivity” (designated by the letter Z) is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver. The dBZ values increase as returned signal strength increases.
Precipitation intensity is displayed using colors represented by the dBZ values listed in the table to the right.
The information presented in this manual is not meant to be comprehensive. The NOAA web site contains complete and detailed information regarding NEXRAD weather radar operation and theory. You can visit them at www.noaa.gov.
Display | Display | dBZ | Rain | Snow | Remarks | ||
Rain | Snow | (inches/hour) | (inches/hour) | Rain | Snow | ||
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| 0 | .00” | trace |
| Very Light | |
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| 5 | .00” | trace |
| Light | |
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| 10 | 0” - trace | .01” | Light | Light | |
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| 15 | .01” | .1 | Light | Light | |
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| 20 | .02” | .2 | Light | Light | |
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| 25 | .05” | .3 | Light | Light - Moderate | |
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| 30 | .09” | .5 | Light - Moderate | Moderate | |
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| 35 | .24” | .7 - 1.0” | Moderate | Heavy | |
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| 40 | .48” | 1” + or sleet | Heavy | Heavy | |
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| 45 | 1.25” | 1” + or sleet | Heavy | Heavy | |
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| 50 | 2.5” | sleet | Intense |
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| 55 | 5.7” | sleet | Extreme |
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| 55+ | 12.7” |
| Extreme |
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32 | GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual |