NWS Doppler Radar Reflectivity 24 April 2010

Heat Continues for the East and South-Central U.S.; Strong to Severe Storms Across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

The extremely dangerous heat wave continues across the East Coast and much of the South-Central U.S. today. Record high temperatures are expected for some areas especially across the Mid-Atlantic where extreme heat risk conditions reside. There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms today for the northern Mid-Atlantic into portions of southern New England. Read More >

NWS Doppler Radar (WSR-88D) Example Products

NWS Doppler radar reflectivity data shows where and how hard it is raining or snowing, and movement. Blue and green colors represent light-to-moderate rainfall. Yellow and orange show moderate-to-heavy precipitation, red is very heavy rain, while pink colors within the red indicate torrential rain with large drops and/or hail.

The image here shows KLVX 0.5 degree reflectivity on April 24, 2010 of a bow echo over central Kentucky. The line of storms bows out over southern Hardin and Hart counties due to strong straight line winds behind the leading line of thunderstorms. These winds can mix down to the ground causing strong or severe wind gusts and wind damage, which occurred on this day along the axis of the bow. Transient tornadoes also can develop along or near the apex of bow echoes). Base and storm-relative velocity data are very helpful to determine wind damage and tornado potential associated with bow echoes and other types of severe storms.