Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) Observations of Hurricane Hugo (1989)

Abstract

Data from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) on board a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft have been used to study the precipitation patterns associated with Hurricane Hugo (1989). Results indicate the intensification of Hugo was associated with increases in SSM/I-derived total latent heat release and increases in heavier rainfall rates near the storm center. This study also shows that SSM/I rainfall rates prior to the landfall of Hugo at Charleston, South Carolina, compared favorably with raingage observations. Additionally, data from the 85-GHz channel was used to monitor the extent of convection near the storm's center. As Hugo intensified, the areal coverage of deep convection increased. Furthermore, the 85-GHz brightness-temperature imagery was useful in determining the location of Hugo's low-level center. These results indicate the potential of using SSM/I data in the analysis and prediction of tropical cyclones in an operational environment.