Weather “U” Lesson 13 Reading a Weather Satellite and Radar Images

Thanks to WXCaster.com for the satellite and radar image use.

First it is important to understand that these high tech features are high above the Earth’s surface. We have two types of satellite the first is the Polar Orbiter and second is the GOES. Other countries also have satellites, however they fall under these two types.

Now lets take a look at the different types of images that the POES and GOES provide. It is Visual imagery which is best used during the daylight hours. Visual sat also provides detailed close range of weather features.

Next type is infrared which is based on the temps of the atmosphere, because of that this image can be used all day long. The image above helps us identify weather features such as the type of clouds. If you look in Northwest LA you can see a T-storm. If you look in the middle part of the US you will note High Cirrus Clouds. And over Southwest Mexico you can even see Severe-Tstorms as they have the white shading inside the black shading.

Now on to the Water Vapor image. This is used by meteorologist to help them identify where the Jet Streams are located. We can see the jet stream based on the dark thing strait lines. In the image above we note the Jet Stream is running from the West Coast into the Plains. There are three types of Jet Streams that we need to know about the first is the Arcitic Jet(which remains most of the time near the Poles). Secondly, is the Polar Front Jet(which usually functions between the mid-lats). Lastly, is the Sub Tropical Jet (which is usually found in the Tropics however sometimes it can extend into the Southern US). Each jet stream is created by the strong winds in the  upper levels which are created by the temp difference between the airmasses.

Now in the image above see how we can identify certain features.

You can also use the Visual image to identify areas of Calm Seas. What you need to look for are Sun Glints which are areas that the sun is reflecting off the ocean or lakes.

Remember by looking at the Water Vapor you can identify the Jet Streams. This is important because the jet stream is the mover of the Low and High pressure systems.

Now looking at a high resolution visible image we can also note the fog along the coast. Visible imagery is very good for looking at things that are close to the ground such as fog and other low clouds.

In the blue box we are looking at Cumuls clouds and how they appear on a satellite image. If you look in Northern MS you can see them right there. Also if you look back in Arkansas you will see what are known as TCU clouds.

Here is a better look at a TCU cloud.

Now if you look inside this blue box you can see a CB Cloud. It has a very define shape and look to it unlike the Cumulus and TCU’s.

You can also identify “High Level Clouds” such as in this image you see in the blue box we have cirrus clouds.

Now we are looking at a RADAR image. We use the radar image to identify precipitation that is out there. We can see how strong the precip is and also we can use the Radar to determine the type of precipitation.

We can also identify area’s of Severe Weather such as the image above shows you thunderstorms. The darker the red the more potential at being severe storms.

This image we can note in the blue box what is called a Bow Echo. This importance of seeing these are that we can  prepare people for very strong damaging winds to move into their area.

Now let’s Review

Enjoy the Weather!!