How can weather conditions affect radio distress calls?

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Weather Conditions and Signal Degradation Weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and snow can cause signal degradation by absorbing or scattering radio waves. For example, a 1-inch layer of rain can reduce signal strength by up to 50%. This can make it difficult for rescuers to receive distress calls, especially in areas with poor weather conditions. To mitigate this, use a waterproof radio and antenna to reduce signal loss.
Interference and Multipath Weather conditions like thunderstorms, wind, and lightning can also cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can disrupt radio signals. This EMI can cause multipath effects, where the signal is reflected off nearby objects and arrives at the receiver out of phase, resulting in a weakened or distorted signal. To combat this, use a radio with a narrow bandwidth and a directional antenna to reduce the impact of multipath effects.
Weather-Sensitive Radio Systems Some radio systems, such as Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) systems, are more susceptible to weather conditions than others. For example, VHF signals can be affected by heavy rain and fog, while UHF signals can be affected by heavy snow and thunderstorms. When planning a distress call, consider the weather forecast and choose a radio system that is less sensitive to weather conditions.