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Radar and satellite

A weather radar measures rain and snow using radio waves. Weather satellites take pictures of clouds and weather systems from space. Both are used to predict weather and track changes in real time.

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More about radar

What is a weather radar?

Radar technology can detect objects and determine their position. A weather radar monitors precipitation with high resolution in both time and space. It is a valuable tool in making meteorological and hydrological forecasts.

Frequently asked questions about radar

This may be because the 5-minute composite and the 15-minute composite are constructed differently. The 5-minute composite does not always have data from the nearest radar and therefore from the lowest altitude. This is done to address issues such as blockages that exist in several locations.

Unfortunately, this means that data from a higher altitude may sometimes be included, showing precipitation that does not reach the ground.

If precipitation is not visible on the radar, it is likely because:

At that distance, the radar is measuring from a higher altitude, and the precipitation has probably formed lower down, which is why it does not appear on the radar.

Our knowledge base contains more information that describes the differences between the various composites and explains why precipitation may be shown on the radar image even when there is none on the ground.

It could be false radar echoes. These can be caused by various factors such as mountains, solar echoes, or even human activity that can interfere with the radar.

More about satellites

Information about satellites

Geostationary satellites are positioned over the equator at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km and rotate with the Earth. They continuously provide data that covers the same view, such as all of Europe. The advantage of a geostationary satellite is that it delivers frequent updates and images over the same area around the clock.