what does DBZ stand for?
The WSR-88D emits pulses of energy into the atmosphere at regular intervals. When this energy bumps into something (i.e. a raindrop, a snowflake, a mountain, etc.), some of the energy is scattered back to the radar dish. The amount of energy which is received back at the radar dish is measured in units of DBZ (decibels). The higher the DBZ value the larger the object i.e. large raindrops and hail produce high DBZ values. In general, DBZ values greater than 15 indicate areas where precipitation is reaching the ground. On the other hand, DBZ values less than 15 usually are an indication of very light precipitation which in most cases is evaporating in the atmosphere before it reaches the ground.
