Tuesday, 22 January 2008
A Blended Total Water Vapor Product for the Analysis and Forecast of Weather Hazards
Exhibit Hall B (Ernest N. Morial Convention Center)
For over 25 years the Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB) Precipitation Team of NOAA's Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) has provided highly detailed operational satellite analyses and precipitation estimates to NOAA/NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), River Forecast Centers (RFCs) and the National Center for Environmental Prediction Center (NCEP) Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) for storms that are currently or expected to produce heavy precipitation resulting in loss of life or property to the nation. Until the early 1990's, the only operational satellite data used on a regular basis was the geostationary infrared (IR), visible (VIS) and water vapor (WV) channels. Since 1991, SAB has acquired additional satellite imagery tools and worked closely with governmental and academic researchers, to stay on the cutting edge of improved satellite precipitation analysis and applications to further improve support to NOAA's NWS offices from Guam to Puerto Rico (Ferraro, et. al., 1998). The SAB Precipitation Team is also a test-bed for improving current and future satellite data and applications so that forecasters can improve their ability to analyze heavy precipitation, recognize computer model deficiencies and respond more quickly to potential flash flood threats with longer forecast warning lead times. This poster will present current operational and future blended Total Precipitable Water (TPW) products; real operational examples of the future products as proof of concept.
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