Satellite Observations of a Severe Supercell Thunderstorm on 24 July 2000 Made during the GOES-11 Science Test

Abstract

This paper utilizes a severe thunderstorm case from 24 July 2000 to demonstrate the relevance of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) rapid-scan imagery and sounder data in the short-range forecasting and nowcasting time frames. Results show how these data can be employed quickly and effectively during the warning decision-making process. Various aspects of the severe storm environment are identified that could only be diagnosed in this case using satellite data. The data used in this study are unique in that the imager and sounder input both come from one of the newest of the geostationary satellites, GOES-11. The datasets were collected as a part of the satellite's 6-week science test. During this test period, continuous 1-min imagery and 30-min sounder data were available. The new satellite has now been placed on standby and will be put in service when either GOES-East or GOES-West fails. Two new high-resolution satellite products are presented that are currently in the developmental phase. These will be field tested and implemented within the next couple of years.