VAD winds

Definition

• In weather; velocity azimuth display winds are derived from the output of the 160 or more WRS-88 radar sites located throughout the United States. The WRS-88 is configured to produce radar returns off of dust and other particulate matter in the air, and in turn, those returns can be used to indicate wind direction and speed at different altitudes. Generally reported in 1000 foot increments.

References

• Balloon Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2024