A radar designed for detection of cloud particles as distinguished from the larger particles that constitute precipitation. Cloud radars typically employ short wavelengths of 1 cm and shorter (e.g., Ka band) and are designed for short-range, high-resolution measurements. They can also be multiwavelength or polarimetric radars capable of providing information on the shapes and sizes of the cloud particles. Radars operating at short wavelengths have increased sensitivity to all weather targets but also suffer from increased attenuation by clouds and precipitation.