How does NEXRAD detect tornadic activity?

NEXRAD, or Next-Generation Radar, primarily detects tornadic activity by identifying the "hook echo" pattern. This distinctive radar echo occurs when strong thunderstorms produce rotating updrafts that can lead to tornados. The hook-like shape on a radar display is an indication of a storm's rotation, where the radar returns show a clear boundary between the strong inflow of moist air and the diverging outflow.

By focusing on this specific pattern, meteorologists can infer the presence of a mesocyclone, which is a precursor to tornado formation. This capability allows for timely warnings and safety measures for areas that might be affected by tornadoes. While monitoring wind speed and temperature changes are important components of weather analysis, they do not provide the specific visual signature indicative of tornadic activity that the hook echo does. Visual observations from aircraft are also valuable, but they do not replace the technological precision of radar mechanisms like NEXRAD in detecting and analyzing severe weather phenomena.