The Role of GOES Satellite Imagery in Tracking Low-Level Moisture

Abstract This note provides examples of how geostationary satellite data can be applied to augment other data sources in tracking warm, moist air masses as they move northward from the Gulf of Mexico. These so-called returning air masses are often a key ingredient in bringing about severe weather outbreaks in the central and southeastern United States. The newer NOAA–GOES imagery provides high spatial and temporal resolution. Together, surface observations, upper-air soundings, and high-resolution satellite imagery provide a comprehensive picture of the returning moist air mass.