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In the world of ATC, weather radar echoes are all referred to as
"precipitation" even though, technically, it is possible the echo could
be associated with birds, volcanic ash, etc., or precipitation that is not reaching
the Earth's surface (virga). Controllers will tell pilots the location of significant
areas of "precipitation" when it appears that it may affect the aircraft's
flight path. They will also provide assistance in the form of course deviations when
requested by the pilot.
Rainfall rates (i.e., inches/hour) as they relate to intensity (dBZ) have not been
correlated with the ATC displays. Therefore, the terms (light/moderate/heavy/extreme)
cannot be equated/correlated to rates of rainfall per se at this time.
Generally, however, the more intense the echo, the more likely there is to be greater
intensities of precipitation; and when conditions are favorable for convective activity,
turbulence and other weather hazards should be expected. As the intensity of precipitation
increases, so too, does the likelihood of more severe weather conditions. Pilots should
also remember that turbulence can be present in areas where ATC does not display
precipitation at all. Therefore, pilots should always exercise care when transiting
areas of known or suspected convective activity.
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