Satellite-Based Estimates Of Heavy Precipitation

The purpose of this paper is to present satellite-GOES based methodologies for analyzing and forecasting (short range) precipitation from convective systems, extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones. Currently, satellite-derived precipitation estimates and 3-hour precipitation trends for convective systems, extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones are computed on the NESDIS Interactive Flash Flood Analyzer and transmitted via AFOS to Weather Service Forecast Offices, Weather Service Offices and River Forecast Centers. These estimates and trends aid hydrologists and meteorologists in their evaluation of heavy precipitation events.