Plain English Meaning
A number that tells the radar operator how strongly precipitation is bouncing the radar signal back. Bigger numbers mean heavier or more intense weather.
Full Definition
A logarithmic unit used on weather radar to express the strength of the signal reflected back from precipitation. Higher dBZ values indicate larger or more numerous precipitation particles in the radar beam, which generally corresponds to heavier rainfall or more intense storm activity. ATC radar weather displays use dBZ values to assign precipitation intensity levels (light, moderate, heavy, extreme).
Context Anchor
Seen on ATC radar weather displays and weather radar products that show precipitation intensity near the flight path.