Säätutkakarttoja

Säätutkakarttoja, or weather radar maps, are visual representations of weather data collected by weather radar systems. These maps display precipitation intensity, type, and movement, providing crucial information for forecasting and public safety. The data is typically presented as a grid of colored pixels, where different colors indicate varying levels of precipitation. For example, green might represent light rain, yellow moderate rain, and red or purple heavy rain or hail.

Weather radar works by transmitting microwave pulses into the atmosphere and then detecting the reflected signals from precipitation particles like raindrops, snowflakes, and hail. The strength and pattern of the returned signal provide information about the size, number, and movement of these particles. This allows meteorologists to track the development and trajectory of storms, identify areas of heavy rainfall, and detect severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Säätutkakarttoja are widely used by meteorological services, emergency management agencies, aviation, and the general public. They are an essential tool for issuing weather warnings, planning outdoor activities, and ensuring timely response to hazardous weather events. The maps are often updated in near real-time, offering a dynamic view of the current weather situation and its short-term evolution. Advanced radar technology can also differentiate between rain, snow, and hail, and even detect wind patterns within storms.