Radar is very good at one thing; measuring time. Who does what with the received signal depends on individual requirements.
Airfield primary radar will be either analogue or digital. The older analogue radar systems have a few filters; MTI, Moving Target Indicator, and/or LOG/CP.
MTI compares the latest received returns with previous returns over a set time period; if there is no change in position or strength, the return is not displayed. This removes clutter; high ground, buildings.
LOG/CP alters the transmitted signal between linear and circular, using a metal plate at the radar aerial to induce a helically-shaped pattern. A linear signal produces more reflections; increasing Circular Polarisation reduces the weather returns, as the signal passes through the weather less signal is reflected.
Digital radar removes clutter before it reaches the display, no weather is shown. A backward move IMO.
A rough guide to the vertical range of any radar is 1000ft for each 10 nautical miles from the radar head. Introduce terrain or buildings nearby, areas of shading will form. These are usually displayed on a chart at each unit for each radar,as radar equipment is flight checked before release into service.
It is possible, on analogue radars, to flick in and out of 'raw radar' (unfiltered) to see any weather. The disadvantage is that the radar won't show the base and top of said weather. As clouds have not yet been mandated to carry transponder equipment with mode C, even secondary radar won't show the base and top.
Perhaps a visit to a local radar-equipped ATC unit might help.