SPC Radar Image Display Example

SPC forecasters can track thunderstorms real-time using either portions of national radar composites (like this), or images downloaded from individual radar sites. SPC doesn't issue severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings; but we still find "real-time" radar imagery useful. Radar loops, with other weather data overlaid, help us to judge what may happen in the next few hours, and whether another mesoscale discussion or severe weather watch is necessary. Like radar displays you may see on TV, heavier rain and maybe hail are falling in the red-colored cores; while yellows through greens and blues represent moderate to light precipitation.