Most real-time NEXRAD WSR-88D radial velocity images use a scale in which shades of red represent motion away from the radar (positive values), and shades of green indicate motion toward the radar (negative values). Purple denotes range-folding (RF), which is when the return from a prior pulse is detected during the listening period for the current pulse, and the radar is unable to determine the wind's velocity.

Other radar systems commonly use this color scheme, but some may use different colors. For example, the second velocity image includes yellows in the positive range and blues in the negative range. Forecasters can always expect the "cool colors" to be toward the radar and the "warm colors" to indicate motion away from the radar.