What happens to radar detection accuracy when it is used in adverse weather conditions?

When radar detection is used in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, its accuracy may decrease. This is primarily due to the way radar operates; it sends out radio waves that can be reflected off various surfaces, including precipitation. In poor weather, the presence of water droplets or snowflakes can scatter these radio waves, leading to signals that may not accurately represent the speed or distance of an object.

In addition, heavy precipitation can absorb and attenuate the radar signals, causing them to weaken before they reach the target vehicle. This reduction in signal strength can make it more challenging for the radar system to detect speed accurately, leading to potential miscalculations or missed detections altogether. Overall, adverse conditions introduce more variables that can negatively impact the reliability of the radar readings.