The more radio energy a thunderstorm reflects, the stronger it is. In addition to showing how strong a storm is, base reflectivity shows its location. The shapes of reflectivity patterns also help meteorologists figure out what the storm is doing. I have not seen any information on the wavelength domains used for sensing the infrared and water vapor images from satellites can't imagine that this is classified information. Click here to go to that information as well as links to more information about satellites and other weather observing technology.
Different colors represent different precipitation intensities.
Usually, red means heavy precipitation, yellow moderate, and green light. Doppler radar can also be used to obtain various wind profiles and rainfall estimates. When television weathercasters use a wind image, they usually tell you what it is. Online graphic and text show how Doppler radar can detect wind speed and direction. The Doppler radars used by the National Weather Service can detect wind speed and direction even when no precipitation is falling.