Base Reflectivity is a measure of the intensity of precipitation occurring, and is reported in units of DBZ. The WSR-88D emits pulses of energy into the atmosphere at regular intervals. When this energy impacts something (i.e. a raindrop, a snowflake, a mountain, etc.), some of the energy is scattered back to the radar dish. NEXRAD base reflectivity data are updated every 5, 6, or 10 minutes, depending on whether the radar is in normal precipitation mode, storm precipitation mode, or clear air mode. The same NEXRAD base reflectivity information (excluding clear air mode data) is incorporated into the WSI NOWrad national and regional mosaics.
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