What is one main way temperature affects radar systems?

Temperature has a significant impact on radar systems, primarily because it can interfere with signal propagation. As temperature changes, it can affect the density and refraction of the atmosphere, which in turn alters how radar signals travel through the air. For example, variations in temperature create differences in air pressure and humidity, leading to changes in the refractive index of the atmosphere. This can cause radar signals to bend or scatter, potentially resulting in reduced detection range, inaccuracies in target tracking, and difficulties in identifying targets.

In contrast, while other options suggest alternative outcomes, they do not reflect the primary relationship between temperature and radar signal behavior. Temperature does influence radar systems significantly, contrary to the idea that it does not impact them at all. While temperature variations can theoretically enhance or stabilize certain aspects of radar equipment, these effects are more nuanced and less direct compared to the clear interference in signal propagation caused by temperature changes.