A weather radar is a technology that emits pulses of microwave energy to detect and locate precipitation such as rain, snow, and hail, along with estimating its intensity, type, and motion. Modern weather radars, mostly pulse-Doppler radars, measure the reflected signals from precipitation particles to determine not only the presence and amount of precipitation but also the velocity of raindrops, which helps analyze storm structure and predict severe weather.

Weather radars work by sending out focused microwave pulses that bounce off precipitation particles and return to the radar, where the data is processed to assess precipitation characteristics within a range of about 100 miles. Doppler radars detect changes in frequency of the returning signals, which provide information on particle velocity toward or away from the radar, essential for understanding wind patterns and storm dynamics.

These radars are critical tools in meteorology, used by weather services globally for real-time monitoring, rainfall estimation, storm tracking, and enhancing forecast accuracy. They also contribute to public safety by providing timely warnings of severe weather events like tornadoes, hailstorms, and damaging winds.

There are specialized versions such as Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) used near airports to detect hazardous wind shear conditions, enhancing aviation safety.

In summary, weather radar systems emit microwave pulses, detect reflected signals from precipitation particles, and analyze these to deliver detailed information on precipitation type, intensity, and motion, vital for weather observation and prediction.