Existing radar systems cannot detect turbulence, however, there is a direct correlation between turbulence intensity and precipitation intensity. Controllers must issue all precipitation displayed on their user display systems. When precipitation intensity is not available, controllers will report intensity as UNKNOWN. When precipitation intensity levels are available, they will be described as follows:
- LIGHT (less than 26 dBZ).
- MODERATE (26 to 40 dBZ).
- HEAVY (greater than 40 to 50 dBZ).
- EXTREME (greater than 50 dBZ).
Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary · checked 2026-08-25