dBdz

dBdz refers to the decibel difference in reflectivity between two consecutive scans in weather radar data. It is a derived quantity used to identify and track areas of significant vertical development and potential convective activity. The measurement is typically calculated by subtracting the reflectivity of a lower scan from the reflectivity of a higher scan at the same geographic location. A positive dBdz value indicates that reflectivity is increasing with height, which is a strong indicator of updraft intensity and the presence of precipitation particles growing larger as they are carried upward by the storm.

Higher dBdz values are often associated with the core of strong thunderstorms, including hail development and severe weather potential. Meteorologists use dBdz to assess storm structure, identify areas of strong updrafts, and forecast the likelihood of hail and severe wind gusts. It complements other radar products by providing insight into the vertical motion within a storm, which is a critical factor in its evolution and severity. Analyzing the spatial distribution and temporal trends of dBdz helps in understanding storm dynamics and making more accurate weather predictions. Limitations include the influence of radar beam blockage, attenuation, and the sampling volume of the radar.