A reflectivity image shows the location where rain, snow, or other precipitation is falling and how intensely. Meteorologists read a corresponding color key to interpret the reflectivity image.
Different colors indicate different intensities of the precipitation.
Velocity images reveal the speed and direction of winds. Again, meteorologists use a color key to interpret the velocity image. Then, the color key is used to determine the speed of the winds. A storm total image shows how much total precipitation has fallen. The corresponding color key allows meteorologists to see quickly the accumulation of rain, snow, or other precipitation.