Satellite-based Nowcasting and Aviation Program

GOES-12 Imager Dervied Cloud Top Cooling Product versus Radar Signal

GOES-12 Cloud Top Cooling 1545 UTC
Radar Echo 1545 UTC
The GOES-12 Imager derived cloud top cooling (CTC) product displays the onset of cooling at 1545 UTC while evidence of storm development is not yet visible on radar.
GOES-12 Cloud Top Cooling 1610 UTC
Radar Echo 1618 UTC
GOES-12 CTC product show further and rapid cooling while the radar echo at the Kansas/Nebraska border shows no evidence of thunderstorm devlopment.
GOES-12 Cloud Top Cooling 1732 UTC
Radar Echo 1826 UTC
A large thunderstorm is evident in visible image at 1732 UTC with the first radar signal of the storm at 1836 UTC. The GOES-12 Imager dervied cloud top cooling product showed evidence of thunderstorm develop 37 minutes prior to NEXRAD radar based convective initiation.

 

More information about this product can be found on the the GOES_R Proving Ground Convective Initiation Nowcast Products description page.