LightningCast Software Package
The LightningCast software predicts the probability of a Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) observation of lightning occurring in the next hour within a region of interest. The underlying algorithm uses a deep learning model trained on data from the GLM instrument on-board the GOES-16 satellite. However, the only input that is required for near real-time processing is imager data from the GOES-16, GOES-18 or Himawari-9 satellite.
This package is based on science software that was developed by NOAA and CIMSS scientists John Cintineo, Mike Pavolonis, Justin Sieglaff and Levi Pfantz. For more information on the algorithm, refer to the 2022 paper ProbSevere LightningCast: A Deep-Learning Model for Satellite-Based Lightning Nowcasting. Another useful resource is the LightningCast Quick Guide.
For users who are receiving the GOES Rebroadcast (GRB) data stream, input Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) Level 1B data can be generated by the CSPP Geo GRB package. ABI Level 1B data is also available from other sources such as NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD). Input Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) data must be in the HSD format, as obtained via HimawariCloud.
