Ksfy Live Doppler (2024)

FAQs

What does 50 dBZ mean in weather? ›

Values of 50 dBZ or more normally are associated with heavy thunderstorms, perhaps with hail, but as with most other quantities, there are no reliable threshold values to confirm the presence of hail or severe weather in a given situation. See VIP for threshold dBZ values associated with each VIP level.

Decibel relative to Z, or dBZ, is a logarithmic dimensionless technical unit used in radar, mostly in weather radar, to compare the equivalent reflectivity factor (Z) of a remote object (in mm⁶ per m³) to the return of a droplet of rain with a diameter of 1 mm (1 mm⁶ per m³).

March and April is western South Dakota's snow season and temperatures are still cool enough in the higher elevations to retain the snow cover. March is typically the snowiest month of the year, with average snowfall 15 to 25 inches in the northern Black Hills and eight to 12 inches over the southern Hills.

Generally, values greater than about 18 indicate sufficient instability for severe thunderstorm development. (Pronounced day-RAY-cho), a widespread and usually fast-moving windstorm associated with convection.

VIP 1 (Level 1, 18-30 dBZ) - Light precipitation. VIP 2 (Level 2, 30-38 dBZ) - Light to moderate rain. VIP 3 (Level 3, 38-44 dBZ) - Moderate to heavy rain. VIP 4 (Level 4, 44-50 dBZ) - Heavy rain.

Values above about 45 dBZ signify intense precipitation and are nearly always caused by thunderstorms. Anything above 60 dBZ generally means that the sample volume contains some hail.

Max DBZ - This is the highest reflectivity found within the storm cell. Top (ft) - Storm top elevation in feet. VIL (kg/m²) - Vertically Integrated Water. This is an estimation of the mass of water suspended in the storm per square meter.

Values of 20 dBZ (green) is typically the point at which light rain and snow begins. Values of 40 dBZ (orange) is typically the point at which lightning can occur and the rainfall rate is approaching 0.5 inches/hour. Values of 60 dBZ (red) is about the level where 1-inch diameter hail can occur.

Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S., with an average statewide temperature of 28.4 degrees in 2023.

Why are people moving to South Dakota? ›

Why people are moving here. According to the National Movers Study, in 2022 and 2023 people were moving to South Dakota primarily to be near family and for the relatively lower cost of living.

One of the most iconic and probably the highest recommended food in South Dakota is Chislic. This cubed red meat, typically beef or lamb, is deep fried or grilled and served with a tasty dipping sauce. Simple, yet utterly delicious.

One weather phenomenon that will always occur when flying across a front is a change in the wind direction.

A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following: hail one inch or greater, winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), or a tornado. How many thunderstorms are there?

The Mature Stage

The storm has considerable depth, often reaching 40,000 to 60,000 feet (12 to 18 km). The mature stage is the is the most dangerous stage and the most likely time for hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes.

• 40 dBZ (orange) - Moderate to heavy rain or sleet showers. • 50 dBZ (red) - Heavy thunderstorms. • 60 dBZ (pink) - Intense to severe thunderstorms with hail. If you see values <5 dBZ, the radar is operating in clear air mode, indicating that it is likely NOT raining in the area.

As dBZ values increase so does the intensity of the rainfall. Value of 20 dBZ is typically the point at which light rain begins. The values of 60 to 65 dBZ is about the level where 1" (2.5 cm) diameter hail can occur. However, a value of 60 to 65 dBZ does not mean that severe weather is occurring at that location.

All aspects of meteorology are based upon a world-wide 24-hour clock called Zulu time (Z), more commonly called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). You will notice all weather maps, radar, and satellite images all have their time expressed in "Z".