CSI for TV Weathercasters (the CSI stands for Critical Satellite image Interpretation)

Everyday, as part of daily weather briefings (and often in preparing for our on-air weathercasts), we look at satellite imagery to get a large-scale (and sometimes a small-scale) look at weather patterns and processes. Some of us may use the imagery just to get an idea of the general flow patterns; others may key on local effects (e.g., sea breezes or lake effect snows); still others may key on hurricane position and motion.

However, these images from polar and geostationary satellites often provide the same types of clues about evolving, and soon to be evolving, weather events as the clues left at crime scenes offer to people such as the CSI teams.

This presentation will showcase numerous situations in which seemingly obvious clues could have helped in the forecast and analysis process. If we run out of good examples, we’ll make some up! We’ll also model ways in which you can quickly look for these clues and then mesh the satellite data with other information sources. The goal is not to criticize a particular forecast or individual, but rather learn from through judicious use of the imagery, animations and fundamental meteorological knowledge.

You’ll leave this presentation with newfound skills and abilities that will make you a sharper meteorologist, while using your mind in ways you may have never dreamt about. In the process, you’ll open up the world of satellite imagery interpretation as it was meant to be. You might even get some ideas about how to share your understanding of satellite imagery with your viewers so you can use the latest types of satellite imagery on-air and on-line, while your competition is mired in the status quo.