What weather condition might decrease range at microwave frequencies?

Microwave frequencies have very short wavelengths, often measured in just centimeters or millimeters. Because physical raindrops, snowflakes, and hailstones are similar in size to these small wavelengths, they can physically absorb and scatter the radio frequency energy. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as 'rain fade' and can severely degrade or entirely block microwave communications during heavy storms. Other weather conditions like high winds, cold temperatures, or barometric pressure changes do not have this same physical blocking effect on radio waves.