Operational Uses of AIRS Data

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument provides a thirteen-year observational record of high spectral resolution infrared radiances. At launch in 2002 on the NASA Aqua spacecraft, AIRS was intended for weather forecast improvement and climate process observation. One of the first AIRS accomplishments was a significant increase in global forecast skill, arising from increased information content about atmospheric infrared radiation compared to earlier operational instruments. By providing 2.9 million spectra daily, AIRS has become a mainstay of international forecasting efforts. We describe AIRS weather forecasting developments, and other operational uses of AIRS data, including drought monitoring, fire monitoring and possible human health monitoring.