13Section 2NEXRAD OverviewNEXRAD IntensityColors are used to identify the different NEXRAD echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ(decibels of Z). “Reflectivity” (designated by the letter Z) is the amount of transmitted power returned tothe radar receiver. The dBZ values increase as returned signal strength increases. Precipitation intensity isdisplayed on the 400/500 Series units using colors represented by the dBz values listed in Table 2-1.Display dBZ Rain(inches/hour)Snow(inches/hour)RemarksGDL 49 GDL 69 Atmos Cloud Rain Snow Sleet Hail<-10 .00” .00” -10 .00” .00” -5 .00” trace 0 .00” trace - .05” Very Light5 .00” trace - .10” Light10 0” – trace .10” Light Light15 .01” .1-.2” Light Light20 .02” .2-.3” Light Light25 .05” .3-.5” Light Light – Medium30 .09” .5-.7” Light – Moderate Moderate35 .24” .7-1.0” Moderate Heavy 40 .48” 1”+, or sleet Heavy Heavy 45 1.25” 1”+, or sleet Heavy Heavy 50 2.5” sleet Intense 55 5.7” sleet Extreme 60 12.7” Extreme 65 Extreme 70 Large75 LargeThe information presented in this Pilot’s Guide regardingNEXRAD is not meant to be comprehensive. The NOAA websitecontains complete and detailed information regarding NEXRADweather radar operation and theory. You can visit them atwww.noaa.gov.Table 2-1 NEXRAD Intensity Colors
