Operational meteorologists at National Weather Service (NWS) offices use Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) images extensively when making short term forecasts. However, use of GOES products during the severe weather warning process is still a relatively new practice and is not fully utilized. Since many NWS offices use a mesoscale analyst during severe weather operations, it is suggested that this person monitor satellite data and alert the warning meteorologist to changing conditions or significant enhancements of cloud features. The warning meteorologist may then investigate this specific information further, and integrate the satellite trends with radar trends. Using GOES images and derived products in addition to radar generated products can enhance the warning process.

NWS offices also have the capability to request rapid scan operation (RSO) during significant weather events. This allows satellite images to be received through the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) every 8 to 10 minutes, supplementing radar observations. Mesoscale analysts can use GOES images to quickly find and observe outflow boundaries that may not be detected by radar; view overshooting tops and enhanced V signatures of thunderstorms being evaluated on radar; and use derived products of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), Lifted Index (LI) and Convective INhibition (CIN), to watch for areas that may lead to strengthening or weakening of ongoing thunderstorms. The warning meteorologist can be kept well informed on the changing atmosphere and the potential impact on thunderstorm structure and evolution.

This paper will briefly discuss GOES sounder and imager products, and a case study using GOES products will be shown. The results will be an increased awareness of GOES information available to meteorologists, and how it can be used to enhance and improve warning operations in a NWS office.