Local RADAR - Composite Reflectivity

NEXRAD Radar KFTG status: Active [last data 0:00:15 h:m:s ago] as of Mon, 22-Jul-2019 6:54pm MDT NWS WSR-88D Transmit/Receive Status

Composite Reflectivity images utilize all elevation scans during each volume scan to create the image. It is composed of the greatest echo intensity (reflectivity) from any elevation angle seen from the radar and is used to reveal the highest reflectivity in all echoes.  Whereas the base reflectivity image is the first image available during a volume scan, the composite reflectivity image is one of the last views necessitated by the need for all elevation scans to be completed before this image can be produced.

When compared with Base Reflectivity, Composite Reflectivity can reveal important storm structure features and intensity trends of storms. This is important because often during the development of strong to severe thunderstorms, rain-free areas (or areas with light rain) develop as a result of strong updrafts.  

(Information Source - National Weather Service)

The above image was produced by GRLevel3 software using NEXRAD Radar data from station KFTG.