Occasionally, radar returns may appear in areas where no precipitation is expected, nor are conditions consistent with such a return (e.g., no clouds).
Sample false radar return.
Non-precipitation return can be due to stationary objects on the ground, such as a wind turbine farm in the area. Wind turbine clutter is a common occurrence at multiple locations throughout the country where the farm is close to the radar site. It occurs most frequently at night and early mornings when the side lobes of the radar get ducted toward the earth. They are a nuisance when it comes to ground-based radar systems, and they may not be easily filtered out, especially when there's real precipitation nearby.
to help determine whether a return is a non-precipitation return, loop the radar imagery. If the returns stay anchored over a fixed position, this likely means they are non-precipitation returns. additionally, when in the area in question, a visual confirmation of the area may substantiate the returns as being false.
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