Definition
The presentation of precipitation intensity on Air Traffic Control radar scopes, used by controllers to identify areas of weather and provide pilots with information, advisories, or vectors around significant precipitation. ATC radar detects precipitation returns and displays them in intensity levels (light, moderate, heavy, extreme), allowing controllers to describe weather location, movement, and intensity to aircraft on their frequency.
Plain English
The way weather shows up on the radar screens used by air traffic controllers. The screens show where rain or storms are and how heavy the precipitation is, so controllers can tell pilots what's ahead and help them avoid the worst of it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when discussing what weather information a controller may be able to provide to a pilot during flight.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots real-time awareness of weather hazards they cannot see directly, supporting safer route decisions.
Grounding Statement
A controller’s screen may show a strong rain area ahead of the aircraft, but it may not show all the weather hazards connected with that area.
Intuition Check
Do not assume ATC Radar Weather Displays give a complete, pilot-ready weather picture. They mainly show radar-detected precipitation and have limits.
Example Sentence 1
The controller advised, "I'm showing an area of heavy precipitation twelve o'clock and one-five miles, deviations approved left or right of course."
Example Sentence 2
Using information from ATC radar weather displays, the pilot requested a deviation to avoid the storm cell.