This loop of GOES-11 visible channel imagery shows the movement of a plume of low cloudiness across western Iowa on 08 August 2000. This cloud feature was formed by rain-cooled low-level thunderstorm outflow which began to spread northwestward early in the morning over southern Iowa. In addition, thick layers of elevated smoke (hazy areas) can be seen spreading eastward across much of this region -- this smoke originated from large fires burning over Montana.

GOES-11 is nearing the end of the July-August 2000 Science Test. The satellite is in constant Rapid Scan Operations (RSO) mode, allowing imagery at 5-minute intervals (compared to the standard 15 minute interval imagery normally received from GOES satellites).