Level 3
Level 3 products represent processed radar data optimized for end-users, primarily meteorologists and decision-makers in various sectors. Unlike raw Level 1 data or super-resolved Level 2 data, Level 3 offers post-processed outputs that transform vast data into readable formats, enhancing swift decision-making.
The Echo Top product provides a measurement of the maximum height of radar echoes above a threshold of 18.5 dBZ, effectively highlighting the vertical extent of precipitation within a storm. By identifying the highest regions where radar returns exceed this reflectivity level, it offers insight into the structure and intensity of convective systems.
High echo top values are a strong indicator of powerful updrafts, which are often associated with severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. Meteorologists use this information
to assess storm severity, monitor storm development, and anticipate potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Vertically integrated liquid shows how much liquid precipitation is present in the cloud. It’s mostly influenced by the size of targets (more than their quantity), thus the presence of large drops or hail means larger values. Severe thunderstorms with high echo tops tend to have the highest VIL values.