What does higher precipitation strength imply for radar signal attenuation?

Higher precipitation strength leads to increased radar signal attenuation due to the scattering and absorption of the radar signals by raindrops and other precipitation particles. As precipitation intensity rises, the number and size of hydrometeors in the atmosphere increase, which in turn significantly disrupts the radar signal as it travels through the precipitation.

When radar signals encounter larger droplets or greater concentrations of precipitation, a larger portion of the signal is scattered away from the radar receiver, and some of it is absorbed. This results in a reduction of the signal strength that returns to the radar, making the signal less effective in detecting targets, interpreting the intensity of precipitation, and accurately gauging storm characteristics.

The attenuation effect is particularly pronounced for higher frequency radar signals, which are more susceptible to scattering and absorption than lower frequency signals. Hence, while the focus of the question centers on the direct correlation between precipitation strength and signal attenuation, it's also important to recognize that higher frequency signals experience this attenuation more acutely, resulting in a loss of valuable radar information.