Stay more weather aware by knowing when rainfall can quickly flood roadways.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Satellites and local weather radars are some of the most valuable tools we have for weather tracking. So valuable that many people have them on their phones inside weather apps.
But if you aren’t a meteorologist… you may not know exactly what the different colors mean or what they look like in person!
Light green
This color can be misleading. Most of the time, light green means sprinkles, mist, drizzle or a very light rain. Typically only a trace is measured at an official data site.
However, light green can sometimes mean no rain at all because it’s raining above our heads but the rain isn’t reaching the ground. This is referred to as virga.
Dark green
This is a solid, light rain starting to turn moderate. Up to tenth of an inch of rain is possible over an hour-long period.
For dark green, the windshield wipers will go approximately every three seconds. Small puddles can form and this rain is great for lawns and gardens over several hours, because it slowly saturates the soil.
Note: some apps will have a different key where these greens can be reversed.
Yellow
Yellow is a moderate rain which can up to three tenths of an inch per hour. This means you’ll need an umbrella and the windshield wipers are on a constant wipe.
Larger puddles will begin to form and this rain over several hours will cause some significant ponding.
Orange
Orange is heavy rain. Rainfall rates start to increase exponentially at this point in the spectrum. This color will usually dump up to an inch plus of rain per hour while the windshield wipers are cruising.
Drains can be overpowered and significant ponding will happen quickly. This rain is enough to flood sidewalks, streets and yards – especially if it is over a long period of time. Orange also reduces visibilities to a mile or less.
For the latest weather alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
Red
Time to break out the rain boots! Red on the radar is associated with torrential downpours. Windshield wipers can’t keep up, making it hard to see as rain is falling at rates over 2 inches per hour.
Red to maroon colors on radar flood streets, yards and sidewalks in minutes. The drains are overwhelmed causing the water to quickly rise.
Radar colors can be beautiful but also deadly so make sure to stay weather aware with the WCNC Charlotte weather team by downloading our free mobile app. You can stay safe and track the rain live right along with us.
Contact Chris Mulcahy at cmulcahy@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
