Radar
Inflow Notch Explained: A Radar Clue Near Strong Thunderstorm Updrafts
What an inflow notch is on radar, why it can appear near strong storms, and why it should be interpreted with velocity and warning context.
Quick answer: An inflow notch is a radar reflectivity indentation where warm moist air may be feeding into a thunderstorm updraft.
What it looks like
On reflectivity, an inflow notch can appear as a lower-reflectivity bite on the inflow side of a storm.
It is one clue among many, not a warning by itself.
Why it matters
Strong storms need inflow to maintain their updrafts.
In some supercells, inflow notches appear near areas meteorologists monitor closely.
Use with context
Velocity, storm structure, warnings, and reports matter more than a single shape.
Do not make shelter decisions from one radar clue alone.