NOAA-NESDIS
Regional And Mesoscale Meteorology Team
Daily Satellite Discussion
Friday April 25, 1997
    This morning's visible imagery shows the ability of satellite data to help in the short term forecasting of cumulus development. The first picture is a visible image taken at 1515Z (915 MDT). Note the 'Y' shaped low cloudiness or fog in northeastern CO, marked by an arrow. Whereas west of that feature cumulus have already developed, east of that cloud the satellite shows clear skies. These clear skies will, of course, allow for greater surface heating and earlier cumulus development. The next image shows the same satellite view at 1645Z (1045 MDT). Here an 'opposite' cloud field can be seen. Where the early morning 'Y' shaped cloud existed skies are now clear, again marked by an arrow. To the east, where skies were clear early, cumulus clouds can be seen. So, the location of early morning cloudiness can indicate areas of delayed cumulus development..

    Jack Dostalek
    CIRA

    We welcome your comments and discussion at ramsdis@comet.ucar.edu