Recent observation and future scenario
Weather radar detects energy reflected by precipitation and other particles in the atmosphere. Composite images help track the position and movement of recently observed precipitation areas.
A forecast comes from a numerical model. Forecast temperature, wind, cloud and rain describe a calculated scenario for a future time, with uncertainty that generally grows further into the forecast.
Why radar is not a perfect picture of rain at the ground
Obstacles, distance from the antenna, beam height and precipitation type can create attenuated areas or signals that do not exactly match what reaches the ground.
Always check the frame timestamp and attribution. An old image or an area without coverage must not be interpreted as certain absence of precipitation.
Using the timeline and animation well
Follow continuity of movement across several frames rather than drawing a conclusion from one image. Recent direction does not guarantee that intensity and path will remain unchanged.
Combine radar, the hourly forecast and official warnings. Meteo Interactive keeps time, legend and source visible to make clear which kind of information you are viewing.
Forecasts describe likely scenarios and do not replace alerts or official authority communications.