Definition
An airborne or ground-based radar system designed specifically to locate and display areas of heavy precipitation associated with thunderstorms. It transmits pulses of radio energy and measures the strength of the returns reflected from water droplets, displaying the most intense returns as the most hazardous storm cells.
Plain English
A radar that finds thunderstorms by bouncing radio signals off the rain inside them. Heavier rain bounces back a stronger signal, which the radar shows as a stronger storm.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit weather displays, especially during cross-country flights or when flying near areas of rain and thunderstorms.
Derivation
Radar comes from “radio detection and ranging.” That origin helps because the system uses radio energy to detect something at a distance and show roughly where it is. In this term, the thing being detected is storm-related precipitation.
Why Pilots Care
Enables pilots to identify and avoid turbulence, icing, and other hazards inside thunderstorms, directly supporting safe route decisions.
Grounding Statement
Radio waves bounce off raindrops and return to the antenna, painting a picture of storm cells on the screen.
Intuition Check
Storm-detection radar does not directly “see” lightning, wind, or clear-air turbulence. It mainly shows precipitation, which pilots use as a warning sign for storm activity.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot used the storm-detection radar to deviate around a line of heavy cells building along the route.
Example Sentence 2
With the storm-detection radar showing clear air to the west, the crew requested a deviation to remain in visual conditions.