They reduce weather-related arrival and departure delays, which saves fuel consumption. NEXRAD systems increase aviation safety with accurate and timely detection of hazardous weather conditions. A cooperative program with the partner agencies will upgrade NEXRAD radars with a Service Life Extension Program to modernize and renovate the existing system of radars. NEXRAD radars are essential for forecasting weather. FAA's Weather and Radar Processor, Integrated Terminal Weather System, and the Corridor Integrated Weather System process NEXRAD products and services. The NWS collects and redistributes NEXRAD weather data from radars it operates as well as some of FAA's 12 radars and creates forecasts that are used in all phases of flight. This weather information provides the location, time of arrival, and severity of weather conditions to determine the best routing for aircraft. NEXRAD systems are Doppler weather radars that detect and produce over 100 different long-range and high-altitude weather observations and products, including areas of precipitation, winds, and thunderstorms. Through a joint program, the Department of Commerce’s National Weather Service (NWS), Department of Defense (DoD), and FAA developed NEXRAD. NEXRAD detects, processes, and distributes for display hazardous and routine weather information. Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations.Critical Infrastructure & Public Venues.Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators.Legislation & Policies, Regulations & Guidance.Data & Research Subnav: Data & Research 1.Airport Safety Information Video Series.
Real weather is more complex than just the displacement of existing precipitation cells. Longer forecasts are not possible, as new precipitation cells are developing or existing ones are disappearing within a short time. This so called precipitation nowcast is the most accurate precipitation forecast possible but the forecast horizon is limited to about an hour. The rain/snow forecast is computed by estimating the movement of precipitation cells observed by radar and extrapolating this movement into the future. United States: How accurate is the radar based forecast? Moreover, some countries do not operate a weather radar network, and in those countries satellite data is used to estimate rainfall, which is less accurate than a realtime weather radar. Note that lightning is not shown on the forecast, as it cannot be predicted. Light blue indicates drizzle, blue a medium intensity, and red and yellow indicate very strong precipitation, usually associated with thunderstorms.Ĭurrent lightning strikes are marked with small orange dots on the map (Europe only). The different colours indicate the intensity of rainfall or snowfall. The radar map is updated every 5 minutes with a new radar observation. The weather radar ( United States) shows where it is currently raining or snowing.