In the radar weather report, what does the maximum top of the cells indicate?

The maximum top of the cells in a radar weather report indicates the altitude at which the strongest echoes from the precipitation cells can be detected, reflecting the intensity and vertical development of the storms. This altitude is critical for pilots and meteorologists because it helps assess the potential severity of the weather associated with those radar returns.

In this context, the answer points out that the maximum tops of the cells are detected at a specific azimuth of 62 degrees and a distance of 110 nautical miles from the radar station. This measurement provides valuable information about the location and intensity of the weather phenomena, indicating that significant weather systems are present in that direction and distance from the radar site.

Identifying the maximum tops provides forecasters and aviators the necessary data to evaluate the weather risks involved in flight operations, enabling informed decision-making regarding route planning and altitude management to avoid hazardous conditions. Thus, knowing the azimuth and range of the maximum tops is crucial for understanding the spatial extent and vertical structure of the weather cells being observed.