STORM EARLY DETECTION AND MONITORING WITH USE OF SATELLITE DATA AT THE IMWM

Storms are the weather phenomena, which are one of the most dangerous and cause largest economical losses. They are frequently connected with lightnings, strong wind, heavy rainfalls, hail, tornadoes etc. Direct effect of mentioned phenomena is very frequently: flash floods (water or mud floods), fires of the houses, farm buildings, technical infrastructure as a result of lightnings, buildings and forest damages as a result of strong wind (hurricane), crop and property damages due to hail storms. Proper forecasting and nowcasting of storms is of high importance. Especially early detection of the areas where deep convection will appear and early detection of convective cells are important. Satellite derived stability indices may help with this task. In the paper use of stability indices determined from NOAA/TOVS data and potential use of MSG data were described. Most catastrophic storms of years 2002-2003 were analysed taking into account use of satellite information for storm monitoring. NOAA satellite data were use for determination of following stability indices: Total Totals and K Index. Combined use of satellite imagery and SAFIR lightning detection system was described. First results from MSG information use were presented, focusing on HRV channel use in colour composites and merging satellite information with lightning detection. Satellite precipitation products for estimation of daily accumulated convective precipitation were presented. Necessary ground measurements and observation were taken into account for storm analysis and validation of satellite methods: accumulated rainfall, observed phenomena, and detected lightnings