About RADAR and NEXRAD

Here is a wonderful example of the practical use of RADAR and NEXRAD.

As you know, these two weather tools depict the intensity and location of precipitation (rain, snow, and ice). Notice the orange color (or red or magenta with or without lightening) on this ForeFlight map which indicates either the potential for or the actual presence of convective weather (thunderstorms). The adjacent photo taken simultaneously proves this.

Onboard RADAR can be considered a real time weather observation. NEXRAD is not, therefore it is imperative that you observe it’s trend in movement and intensity.