The use of hyperspectral sounding information to monitor atmospheric tendencies leading to severe local storms

Abstract

Operational space-based hyperspectral sounders like the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, and the Cross-track Infrared Sounder on polar-orbiting satellites provide radiance measurements from which profiles of atmospheric temperature and moisture can be retrieved. These retrieval products are provided on a global scale with the spatial and temporal resolution needed to complement traditional profile data sources like radiosondes and model fields. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how existing efforts in real-time weather and environmental monitoring can benefit from this new generation of satellite hyperspectral data products. We investigate how retrievals from all four operational sounders can be used in time series to monitor the preconvective environment leading up to the outbreak of a severe local storm. Our results suggest the potential benefit of independent, consistent, and high-quality hyperspectral profile information to real-time monitoring applications.