Microwave SST correlation with cyclone intensity

The TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), operational since November 1997, provides cloud-penetrating sea surface temperature (SST) measurements. At its lowest frequency channel (10.7 GHz) the atmosphere is nearly transparent, making it possible to measure SSTs reliably. This channel has little attenuation from non-raining clouds, giving a clear view of the sea surface under all weather conditions except rain. These attributes make TMI SST especially valuable for measuring SST during severe storms when traditional infrared SSTs retrievals are often thwarted by cloud cover. Using 2 years of data, with over 40 severe storms, we analyze the effect of SST on storm intensity. Also, post-storm SST anomalies are examined in order to relate intensity to storm-induced upwelling.