Looking down from above

Posted at 1:07 PM on January 31, 2008 by Craig Edwards (1 Comments)

NOAA's satellite imagery is invaluable to track developing and dissipating weather, as well as locating the subtle features that determine intensity and movement of weather making systems.

Infrared imagery allows around the clock surveillance of the hemisphere, with the capability of forecasters to target their interest on specific regions.

It has been my observation that television weathercasters are handicapped in their limited time to adequately demonstrate the importance of satellite information on formulating your forecast. What a shame! Visually it can be a big attention grabber, particularly during major weather events.

This afternoon a winter calamity is enfolding in the middle Mississippi Valley making tracks for the Ohio Valley. The infrared imagery, which shades the clouds and earth by sensing the temperature, is capturing the drama about to begin in Indianapolis.
Infrared satellite imagery

As we close out January, you'll find it interesting to know that there has been more snow at Indianapolis this month than in Minneapolis or Denver. Indiana's Capitol City will add to the current monthly total of 4.3 inches before midnight.
CE

Comments (1)

This is the coldest winter I can remember. I am 50 so maybe my memory is fading but wow I can't remember such a stretch of such low high temperatures. Any data (unbiased) for the winter to date.
Bill

Posted by Bill Wilson | February 9, 2008 10:22 PM

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