Definition
A weather radar display mode that shows wind speed and direction at various altitudes around the radar site, derived from Doppler radar returns scanned in a circular pattern. The display presents a vertical profile of winds aloft by measuring how precipitation or other airborne particles move toward or away from the radar antenna as it rotates.
Plain English
A radar display that shows how the wind is blowing at different heights above the radar, by watching how raindrops and particles move during a full circular sweep.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather-radar and aviation weather discussions, especially when winds near storms, wind shifts, or changing winds with height are being analyzed.
Derivation
Velocity refers to the speed and direction of movement detected by Doppler radar. Azimuth comes from the Arabic 'as-sumut,' meaning 'the directions,' and refers to a horizontal compass bearing measured around a full circle. So the name describes exactly what it shows: movement (velocity) measured around the compass (azimuth).
Why Pilots Care
Reveals wind shear, gust fronts, and storm motion so pilots can avoid hazardous conditions.
Analogy
Think of standing in the middle of a circle and checking how the air is moving from every direction around you. A Velocity Azimuth Display is a radar-based version of that idea, but with measured wind motion instead of a person guessing by feel.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as an aircraft speed display. A Velocity Azimuth Display is about wind motion measured by radar, not the speed of the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
The forecaster checked the Velocity Azimuth Display to confirm wind direction and speed at 6,000 feet before issuing the briefing.
Example Sentence 2
Controllers used the Velocity Azimuth Display to track how quickly the thunderstorm was moving toward the airport.