Definition
A nationwide network of high-resolution Doppler weather radars operated by the National Weather Service that detects precipitation intensity, movement, and structure within the atmosphere. NEXRAD data is processed into composite and base reflectivity images showing the location and severity of rain, snow, hail, and thunderstorms, and is widely distributed to pilots through Flight Service, electronic flight bag apps, and in-cockpit weather receivers.
Plain English
A national system of weather radars that shows pilots where rain and storms are, how strong they are, and which way they are moving.
Context Anchor
Seen in preflight weather briefings, cockpit weather displays, aviation weather apps, and FAA handbook discussions of thunderstorm avoidance.
Derivation
The name simply describes the system: it was the next generation of weather radar that replaced the older 1950s and 60s radar network in the late 1980s and 1990s. The 'next generation' label stuck even though the system is now decades old.
Why Pilots Care
Provides real-time awareness of hazardous weather so pilots can reroute to avoid turbulence, icing, or thunderstorms.
Grounding Statement
NEXRAD is like looking at a weather picture made by ground radar stations, not like looking through the windshield at exactly what is happening this second.
Intuition Check
Do not assume NEXRAD in the cockpit is live, onboard radar. It is ground-based weather radar data that is processed and delivered to you, so it can be delayed.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight briefing, she checked the NEXRAD image and saw a line of strong returns moving across her route.
Example Sentence 2
During the flight the crew used NEXRAD to track a line of heavy rain moving across their destination airport.