What is the primary function of a weather radar?

The primary function of a weather radar is to detect precipitation, its motion, and intensity. Weather radars use radio waves to identify objects in the atmosphere, which includes droplets of rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation. The radar emits a pulse that bounces off precipitation particles, allowing meteorologists to determine not only the presence of precipitation, but also its motion and intensity. This capability is crucial for understanding storm systems, predicting severe weather events, and issuing timely warnings to the public.

While measuring humidity levels, analyzing wind patterns, and forecasting temperature changes are important aspects of meteorology, they rely on different tools and methods, such as hygrometers for humidity, anemometers for wind patterns, and thermometers or numerical weather prediction models for temperature forecasting. Therefore, the ability of radar to monitor precipitation is what makes it an essential tool for real-time weather observation and analysis.