http://www.radartutorial.eu/07.waves/wa13.en.

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Atmosphere Losses
The electromagnetic wave may be partially or totally absorbed by an absorbing medium
due to atomic and molecular interactions (In this process energy is transferred to the
substance and this may cause significant changes to occur within the absorbing medium;
the radiant energy is converted into heat mostly.)
The absorption of electromagnetic radiation is insignificant at low frequencies less than
3 Gigahertzes (or a wavelength longer than ten centimeters, or 4 inches) by clear weather
conditions. Not till then the frequency reach the resonant frequency of some molecules
contained into the earth's atmosphere, the intensity of a beam of electromagnetic radiation
is attenuated in passing through this medium considerably.
This absorption depends on the frequency and the path length therefore.
Not condensed water vapour, or the so called relative humidity depends on the
temperature too. The air temperature and the air humidity affect adversely the absorption
too.
Atmospheric absorption losses consist of an atmospheric basic absorption as well as a
strongly weather-dependent auxiliary absorption by fog and rain. The electromagnetic
waves are weakened when penetrating air and water vapor layers. In this process mainly
water vapor and diatomic oxygen are involved. A part of the electromagnetic energy is
converted into heat, another part becomes scattered due to the molecular dipole function.
The diagram shows that the absorption increase as the rates of humidity rises.
Furthermore, absorption increases with higher transmitter frequency.
Also, one can see that all frequencies are not equally suitable for all radar applications
(e.g., a high frequency is not suitable for long range radars). The very strong absorption at
about 75 gigahertz's caused by the oxygen molecules practice the radar-based Pre-Safe
Brake Assist Plus developed by Mercedes. The maximum range of the radar is limited on
the desired measure by this and mutual disturbing influences therefore are to avoided.
In summary atmospheric absorption losses are always present and cannot be avoided.