Arcade machines handle dynamic weather effects through a combination of specialized hardware and clever programming techniques. Unlike modern consoles, classic arcade cabinets relied on dedicated graphics chips and custom processors to generate real-time environmental changes. For rain effects, programmers often used layered sprite systems where multiple transparent layers of animated rain droplets moved at different speeds to create depth perception. Snow was typically implemented through particle systems using the machine's limited memory to track hundreds of individual floating pixels.

The hardware limitations forced developers to create innovative solutions. For instance, thunderstorm effects were achieved through sudden palette swaps and screen flashes synchronized with audio chips producing thunder sounds. Fog and mist were commonly rendered using semi-transparent overlay sprites with dithering patterns that could be moved across the screen. More advanced arcade boards like the Sega Model 3 could handle texture filtering and alpha blending for more realistic weather transitions.

Dynamic weather wasn't merely cosmetic - it often affected gameplay mechanics. Racing games like "Daytona USA" would alter tire traction physics during rain conditions, while fighting games like "Soul Calibur" might use wind effects to influence character movement. The implementation varied significantly based on the arcade system board, with later 32-bit systems capable of storing weather pattern animations in their expanded ROM space.

These technical achievements were particularly impressive considering the hardware constraints of the 1980s and 1990s. Developers had to optimize every weather effect to maintain consistent frame rates, often sacrificing detail for smooth performance. The legacy of these techniques can still be seen in modern game development, where optimized weather systems remain crucial for immersive gaming experiences.