Chan-hom – Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 09, 2020 – NASA Shows Heaviest Rainfall Displaced in Typhoon Chan-hom

Typhoon Chan-hom was still moving parallel to Japan’s east coast as NASA’s satellite rainfall product, that incorporates data from satellites and observations, showed its heaviest rainfall was pushed northeast of center.

IMERG data from Chan-hom
On Oct. 9 at 4:30 a.m. EDT (0830 UTC), NASA’s IMERG estimated Chan-hom was generating as much as 30 mm inches of rain (1.18  [dark pink]) just northeast of the center of circulation. Rainfall rates in storms surrounding those areas of heaviest (yellow and green colors) rainfall, were estimated to be falling at a rate between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) per hour. On the southwestern side of the center, rainfall rates were occurring between 0.1 and 1 mm (0.003 and 0.03 inches) per hour. The rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. Credit: NASA/NOAA/NRL
Chan-hom’s Status on Oct. 9

At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Chan-hom was located near latitude 30.9 degrees north and longitude 133.9 degrees east. That is approximately 413 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. Chan-hom was moving to the north-northeast. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 knots (81 mph/130 kph).

Estimating Chan-hom’s Rainfall Rates from Space

NASA’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG, which is a NASA satellite rainfall product, estimated Chan-hom’s rainfall rates on Oct. 9 at 4:30 a.m. EDT (0830 UTC).

Wind shear, outside winds at different speeds and directions that can adversely affect a tropical cyclone, were pushing Chan-hom’s heaviest rainfall northeast of the center. Chan-hom was generating as much as 30 mm (1.18 inches) of rain per hour just northeast of the center of circulation. Rainfall rates in storms surrounding those areas of heaviest rainfall were estimated as falling at a rate between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) per hour. On the southwestern side of the center, rainfall rates were occurring between 0.1 and 1 mm (0.003 and 0.03 inches) per hour.

Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted, “Chan-hom is tracking along the western periphery of a subtropical ridge (elongated area of high pressure) positioned to the east and through an overall unfavorable environment with moderate to high (25 knots/29 mph/46 kph) vertical wind shear.”

At the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the IMERG rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite to provide a full extent of the storm.

What Does IMERG Do?

This near-real time rainfall estimate comes from the NASA’s IMERG, which combines observations from a fleet of satellites, in near-real time, to provide near-global estimates of precipitation every 30 minutes. By combining NASA precipitation estimates with other data sources, we can gain a greater understanding of major storms that affect our planet.

What the IMERG does is “morph” high-quality satellite observations along the direction of the steering winds to deliver information about rain at times and places where such satellite overflights did not occur. Information morphing is particularly important over the majority of the world’s surface that lacks ground-radar coverage. IMERG fills in the blanks between weather observation stations.

Chan-hom’s Fate

Chan-hom will gradually weaken as it tracks generally east northeastward over the next day. In three days, the system is expected to become fully embedded in the westerly wind flow aloft. It is expected to complete extra-tropical transitioning becoming a cold core low-pressure area as it moves northeast and away from Japan.

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For more information about NASA’s IMERG, visit: https://pmm.nasa.gov/gpm/imerg-global-image

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Chan-hom – Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 08, 2020 – NASA Sees Typhoon Chan-hom Blanket Japan

Typhoon Chan-hom’s clouds blanketed much of the big islands of Japan in a visible image from NASA’s Terra satellite. Chan-hom’s center was located southeast of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost big island, but the western quadrant of the storm had a large reach.

Terra image of Chan-hom
On Oct. 8, 2020, NASA’s Terra satellite provided a visible image of Typhoon Chan-hom’s clouds blanketing much of Japan. Image Courtesy: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS).

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Terra satellite captured a visible image of Chan-hom on Oct. 8. Chan-hom’s eye appeared to be obscured by high clouds, but a hint of it could be seen in the imagery. Powerful thunderstorms circled the 30 nautical-mile wide eye.

The satellite imagery was created using NASA’s Worldview product at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Chan-hom’s Status on Oct. 8  

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on Oct. 8, the center of Typhoon Chan-hom was located near latitude 29.8 degrees north and longitude 133.4 degrees east. Chan-hom was about 475 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. The storm is moving toward the north-northeast. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 knots (92 mph/148 kph) with higher gusts.
Chan-hom is forecast to continue weakening and track parallel to the eastern coast of Japan while remaining offshore. Its center is forecast to pass just offshore from Tokyo on Oct. 12 as it moves in a northeasterly direction. The storm is forecast to undergo transition into an extra-tropical storm over the next several days.

About NASA’s Worldview and Terra Satellite

NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks “right now.”

NASA’s Terra satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

Tropical cyclones/hurricanes are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Delta – Atlantic Ocean

Oct. 08, 2020 – NASA Examines Hurricane Delta’s Early Morning Structure

The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite provided two nighttime views of Hurricane Delta as it moved toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. A moonlit image and an infrared image revealed the extent and organization of the intensifying hurricane.

Hurricane Delta from Suomi NPP at night
The Waning Gibbous moon (65% illumination) was enough to see both the tropospheric waves as well as the central dense overcast and long ranging feeder bands in Hurricane Delta on Oct. 8 at 4:05 a.m. EDT. Credit: UWM/SSEC/CIMSS/William Straka III

Satellite Imagery Shows Delta’s Extent

On Oct. 8 at 4:05 a.m. EDT (0805 UTC), the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured an infrared and nighttime imagery of Hurricane Delta as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico.

One hour before Suomi NPP passed overhead, Delta had winds of 100 mph, making it a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. “The imagery showed enhanced convection near the center of circulation, though the actual circulation was covered by a central dense overcast (CDO) feature, but the curved bands beyond that, extending all the way to the U.S., can also be seen,” noted William Straka III, researcher at University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Space Science and Engineering Center, Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Wisconsin.

Suomi NPP infrared image of Delta
On Oct. 8 at 4:05 a.m. EDT (0805 UTC), the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured an infrared image of Hurricane Delta. It revealed enhanced convection near the center of circulation, and bands of thunderstorms extended all the way to the U.S.  Credit: UWM/SSEC/CIMSS/William Straka III

“The Waning Gibbous moon (65% illumination) was enough to see both the tropospheric waves as well as the CDO and long ranging feeder bands (of thunderstorms.”

On Oct. 8 at 3:35 a.m. EDT (0735 UTC) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Delta using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument.  AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder 210 Kelvin minus 81 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63.1 degrees Celsius). NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain. The eye was obscured by high clouds and central dense overcast.

AIRS image of infrared
On Oct. 8 at 3:35 a.m. EDT (0735 UTC) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Hurricane Delta using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder 210 Kelvin minus 81 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63.1 degrees Celsius). The eye was obscured by high clouds. Credit: NASA/JPL/Heidar Thrastarson

NASA provides all of this data to tropical cyclone meteorologists so they can incorporate it in their forecasts.

NHC forecaster Jack Beven noted, “Satellite imagery shows that Delta is better organized this morning, with the center well embedded in a cold central dense overcast and a hint of an eye developing in the overcast.”

Watches and Warnings on Oct. 8

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued various warnings and watches for Delta’s approach to the U.S. mainland.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for High Island, Texas to Ocean Springs, Mississippi including Calcasieu Lake, Vermilion Bay, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Borgne.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect from High Island, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from west of High Island to San Luis Pass, Texas and from east of Morgan City Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River, including New Orleans. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from east of the mouth of the Pearl River to Bay St. Louis Mississippi.

Delta’s Status on Oct. 8

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Delta was located near latitude 24.0 degrees north and longitude 92.7 degrees west. That is about 400 miles (645 km) south of Cameron, Louisiana. Delta was moving toward the northwest near 14 mph (22 kph), and this motion with a reduction in forward speed is expected today.  Reports from NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph (165 kph) with higher gusts.  The latest minimum central pressure reported by the Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 968 millibars.

Delta’s Forecast

NHC expects a turn toward the north by late tonight, followed by a north-northeastward motion by Friday afternoon or Friday night.  Additional strengthening is forecast, and Delta is expected to become a major hurricane again by tonight.  On the forecast track, the center of Delta will move over the central Gulf of Mexico today, over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Friday. Some weakening is possible as Delta approaches the northern Gulf coast on Friday, with rapid weakening expected after the center moves inland within the hurricane warning area Friday afternoon or Friday night.

NASA Researches Earth from Space

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For updated forecasts, visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov

By Rob Gutro 
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Delta – Atlantic Ocean

Oct. 07, 2020 – NASA Analyzes Hurricane Delta’s Water Vapor Concentration

When NASA’s Aqua satellite passed over the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 7, it gathered water vapor data on Hurricane Delta as Mexico’s Yucatan continues to feel its effects.

Aqua image of Delta
On Oct. 7 at 2:50 a.m. EDT (0650 UTC), NASA’s Aqua satellite found highest concentrations of water vapor (brown) and coldest cloud top temperatures were around Hurricane Delta’s center. Cloud top temperatures in those storms were as cold as or colder than minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.7 degrees Celsius). Delta was moving over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Credits: NASA/NRL

Water vapor analysis of tropical cyclones tells forecasters how much potential a storm has to develop. Water vapor releases latent heat as it condenses into liquid. That liquid becomes clouds and thunderstorms that make up a tropical cyclone. Temperature is important when trying to understand how strong storms can be. The higher the cloud tops, the colder and stronger the storms.

NASA’s Aqua satellite passed over Delta on Oct. 7 at 2:50 a.m. EDT (0650 UTC), and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument gathered water vapor content and temperature information. NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

The MODIS image showed highest concentrations of water vapor and coldest cloud top temperatures were around the center of circulation and east of the center. Strongest storms were over the northern Caribbean Sea, between Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. MODIS data also showed coldest cloud top temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 67.7 degrees Celsius) in those storms. Storms with cloud top temperatures that cold have the capability to produce heavy rainfall.

At 5 a.m. EDT, NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Eric Blake said, “Satellite images show very deep convection associated with Delta, with extremely cold cloud-top temperatures to minus 97 degrees Celsius noted southwest of the center overnight.  However, this structure has not resulted in a stronger cyclone, and the full NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft mission actually indicated that Delta has significantly weakened since earlier today.”

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted, “Through early Thursday, Delta is expected to produce 4 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches, across portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula. This rainfall may result in areas of significant flash flooding. In addition, 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts, are expected across portions of western Cuba. This rainfall may result in areas of flash flooding and mudslides.”

Warnings and Watches on Oct. 7

NHC issued a Hurricane Warning from Tulum to Dzilam, Mexico and for Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio; from Punta Herrero to Tulum, Mexico; and from Dzilam to Progreso, Mexico.

Delta’s Status on Oct. 7

At 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), the NHC said the center of Hurricane Delta was located by satellite images and surface observation inland over northeastern Mexico near latitude 21.1 degrees north and longitude 87.4 degrees west. Delta was centered just 35 miles (55 km) west of Cancun, Mexico.

Delta was moving toward the northwest near 17 mph (28 kph). A west northwestward-to-northwestward motion is expected over the next day or so.  A slower northwestward to north-northwestward motion is forecast to begin on Thursday, and a northward motion is likely Thursday night and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 kph) with higher gusts.  The estimated minimum central pressure based on surface observations is 974 millibars.

Delta’s Forecast Track

NHC forecasters said, “Although some additional weakening is likely when Delta moves over the Yucatan peninsula this morning, re-strengthening is forecast when the hurricane moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, and Delta could become a category 4 hurricane again by late Thursday.  Weakening is expected as Delta approaches the northern Gulf coast on Friday.

On the forecast track, Delta is expected to move over the southern Gulf of Mexico during the afternoon of Oct. 7 and be over the southern or central Gulf of Mexico through Thursday. Delta is expected to approach the northern Gulf coast on Friday, Oct. 9.”

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For NHC’s Key Messages, visit: www.hurricanes.gov

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Chan-hom – Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 07, 2020 – NASA Analyzes Rainfall Around Typhoon Chan-hom’s Ragged Eye

A NASA satellite rainfall product that incorporates data from satellites and observations found heavy rainfall occurring throughout Typhoon Chan-hom and the heaviest rainfall in the eyewall. Chan-hom is expected to bring rainfall to Japan on its track through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean.

IMERG data from Chan-hom
On Oct. 7 at 2 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC), NASA’s IMERG estimated Typhoon Chan-hom was generating as much as (30 mm/1.18 inches of rain (dark pink) around the center of circulation. Rainfall throughout most of the storm was occurring between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches/yellow and green colors) per hour. The rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. Credit: NASA/NOAA/NRL

Chan-hom’s Status on Sept. 18

At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Typhoon Chan-hom was located near latitude 26.2 degrees north and longitude 134.4 degrees east. It was centered 378 nautical miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Island, Japan, moving toward the northwest. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 knots (75 mph/120 kph) with higher gusts.

Estimating Chan-hom’s Rainfall Rates from Space

NASA’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG, which is a NASA satellite rainfall product, estimated on Oct. 7 at 2 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC), Chan-hom was generating as much as 30 mm (1.18 inches) of rain per hour falling in the ragged eyewall that surrounds the eye. Rainfall throughout most of the storm was estimated as falling at a rate between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) per hour. At the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the IMERG rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite to provide a full extent of the storm.

In addition to the rainfall calculation within the typhoon, animated enhanced infrared satellite imagery revealed a consolidating system with a ragged eye. Microwave imagery indicates improved banding of thunderstorms wrapping tightly into a microwave eye feature.

Warnings for heavy rainfall are in effect for Kyushu, the southernmost big island of Japan. Watches were posted for much of Japan’s southeastern and east central coasts.

What Does IMERG Do?

This near-real time rainfall estimate comes from the NASA’s IMERG, which combines observations from a fleet of satellites, in near-real time, to provide near-global estimates of precipitation every 30 minutes. By combining NASA precipitation estimates with other data sources, we can gain a greater understanding of major storms that affect our planet.

Instead, what the IMERG does is “morph” high-quality satellite observations along the direction of the steering winds to deliver information about rain at times and places where such satellite overflights did not occur. Information morphing is particularly important over the majority of the world’s surface that lacks ground-radar coverage. Basically, IMERG fills in the blanks between weather observation stations.

Chan-hom’s Forecast

Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) expect Chan-hom to track northwestward to northward through the next two days and closer to Japan. Chan-hom is forecast to make a slow track paralleling the coast of Japan from Oct. 8 through the 11, when it is expected to affect Tokyo before heading out to open waters.

JTWC expects Chan-hom to continue weakening over the next several days and begin transitioning to an extra-tropical storm.

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For more information about NASA’s IMERG, visit: https://pmm.nasa.gov/gpm/imerg-global-image

For updated warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency, visit: https://www.jma.go.jp/en/warn/

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Norbert – Eastern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 07, 2020 – NASA Finds Dry Air Sapping Tropical Storm Norbert’s Strength

Infrared imagery from NASA’s Aqua satellite revealed that dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert, located off the coast of southwestern Mexico.

Aqua image of Norbert
On Oct. 7 at 4:30 a.m. EDT (0830 UTC), the MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Norbert’s cloud tops. MODIS found a limited area of powerful thunderstorms (red) around the center where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius). Dry air around it was sapping other thunderstorms from developing. Credit: NASA/NRL

Infrared Data Reveals Dry Air Effects

On Oct. 7 at 4:30 a.m. EDT (0830 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Norbert’s cloud tops. Infrared data provides temperature information, and the strongest thunderstorms that reach high into the atmosphere have the coldest cloud top temperatures.

Dry air suppresses the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. Dry air saps the moisture. Tropical cyclones consist of hundreds of thunderstorms. When their development is limited by environmental factors, they have difficulty strengthening and often weaken. The MODIS image showed fragmentation of thunderstorms around Norbert’s center as dry air affected development.

MODIS found that Norbert has weakened as entrainment of dry air has disrupted the compact system. The National Hurricane Center reported that Norbert’s center was partially exposed overnight, but recent infrared imagery shows a new burst of deep convection near the center. MODIS identified that burst of strong thunderstorms in infrared light, where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius). Cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall.

Norbert’s Status on Oct. 7

At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Norbert was located near latitude 14.0 degrees north and longitude 107.1 degrees west. Norbert is drifting toward the southwest near 1 mph (2 kph). The storm is forecast to meander or remain nearly stationary over the next couple of days.

Satellite-derived wind data indicate that maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 40 mph (65 kph) with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in strength will be possible during the next few days. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 millibars.

Norbert’s Future

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center noted the forecast for Norbert over the next couple of days is challenging. “The intensity forecast for Norbert remains tricky given its small circulation and the presence of dry air in the surrounding environment. Sea-surface temperatures are more than sufficient for at least modest strengthening, but the question will be whether Norbert can survive the increased southeasterly shear that the SHIPS [computer forecast model] guidance calls for during the next 24-48 hours.”

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For updated forecasts, visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Chan-hom – Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 06, 2020 – Infrared NASA Imagery Finds Chan-hom Organizing, Consolidating

NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed the large Tropical Storm Chan-hom as it tracked through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. Aqua imagery showed the storm was consolidating, indicating a strengthening trend.

AIRS image of Chan-hom
On Oct. 6 at 0353 UTC (Oct. 5 at 11:53 p.m. EDT) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Chan-hom using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than (purple) minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius) around the consolidating center. Credit: NASA JPL/Heidar Thrastarson

One of the ways NASA researches tropical cyclones is using infrared data that provides temperature information. The AIRS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured a look at those temperatures in Chan-hom and gave insight into the size of the storm and its rainfall potential.

Cloud top temperatures provide information to forecasters about where the strongest storms are located within a tropical cyclone. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and the colder the cloud top temperatures. NASA provides that data to forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center so they can incorporate it into their forecasting.

On Oct. 6 at 0353 UTC (Oct. 5 at 11:53 p.m. EDT) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Chan-hom using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in Honolulu, Hawaii noted that animated enhanced infrared satellite imagery showed the system is consolidating.  JTWC noted there has been an improvement in the developing strong bands of thunderstorms wrapping into the low-level center.

AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius) around the center of circulation. NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain.

Despite the consolidation, a microwave image captured at 7:36 a.m. EDT (1136 UTC) indicated that the convective banding remains fragmented.

Chan-hom’s Status on Oct. 6

By 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on Oct. 6, Chan-hom was located near latitude 24.5 degrees north and longitude 137.2 degrees east. It is located approximately 552 nautical miles east-southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. It was moving to the west and had maximum sustained winds near 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph).

Chan-hom’s Forecast

Chan-hom is forecast to continue consolidating and organizing while it tracks generally to the northwest. It is expected to peak at typhoon strength in two days before weakening again.

About NASA’s AIRS Instrument

The AIRS instrument is one of six instruments flying on board NASA’s Aqua satellite, launched on May 4, 2002.

AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth’s weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth’s surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly aboard NASA’s Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, under contract to NASA. JPL is a division of Caltech.

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

More information about AIRS can be found at: https://airs.jpl.nasa.gov/

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Norbert – Eastern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 06,  2020 – NASA Catches Development of Tropical Storm Norbert as Marie Declines

NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite passed over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and captured the birth of a depression that became Tropical Storm Norbert while Marie continued weakening while headed toward the Central Pacific.

Suomi NPP image of Norbert
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of the development of Tropical Storm Norbert near the coast of southwestern Mexico on Oct. 5 at 5:55 p.m. EDT (2155 UTC). Meanwhile, (top left), Tropical Storm Marie continues tracking toward the Central Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS)

Tropical Depression 19E formed well offshore of southwestern Mexico on Oct. 5 and at 5:55 p.m. EDT (2155 UTC) visible imagery from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP helped confirm the development. VIIRS showed the low-pressure area had become better defined than it was during the previous day. The image was generated at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. using the NASA Worldview application.

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted, “The associated deep convection has also become more organized and convection has persisted over the low-level center since early this morning. In addition, a banding feature has also developed over the western portion of the circulation. Based on these trends, advisories have been initiated for Tropical Depression 19E.”

The same VIIRS visible image also caught a weakening Tropical Storm Marie as it continued toward the Central Pacific Ocean. The Suomi NPP image showed that deep convection and building thunderstorms associated with Marie had all but dissipated and what was left of it was located over 120 nautical miles away from the exposed low-level center of the cyclone (as a result of wind shear).

By 5 a.m. EDT on Oct. 6, Tropical Depression 19E strengthened into a tropical storm and was re-dubbed Norbert. At 11 a.m. EDT, Marie was barely hanging onto tropical storm status and fading quickly.

Norbert’s Status on Oct. 6

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) on Oct. 6, the center of Tropical Storm Norbert was located near latitude 14.2 degrees north and longitude 106.6 degrees west. That is 365 miles (585 km) south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Norbert is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph (11 kph). A slower northwestward motion is expected until tonight. The system is forecast to meander thereafter through midweek. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 kph) with higher gusts. Some slow strengthening is possible over the next few days. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 millibars.

Marie’s Fading Status of Oct. 6

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Marie was located near latitude 22.1 degrees north and longitude 135.1 degrees west. Marie is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 kph), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next day or so, followed by a turn toward the west late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph (75 kph) with higher gusts.  Gradual weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Marie is forecast to become a remnant low-pressure area by tonight and a trough of low pressure in a few days.

About NASA’s Worldview

NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks “right now.”

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

By Rob Gutro 
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Delta – Atlantic Ocean

Oct. 06, 2020 – NASA-NOAA Satellite Finds Hurricane Delta Rapidly Intensifying

Infrared imagery from NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite revealed that Hurricane Delta has been rapidly growing stronger and more powerful. Infrared imagery revealed that powerful thunderstorms circled the eye of the hurricane and southern quadrant as it moved through the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 6.

Suomi NPP image of Delta
On Oct. 6 at 3:06 a.m. EDT (0706 UTC) NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite analyzed Hurricane Delta’s cloud top temperatures and found strongest storms (yellow) were around Delta’s center of circulation and in a band of thunderstorms south of the center. Temperatures in those areas were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees (red) Fahrenheit (minus 56.6. degrees Celsius) surrounded both of those areas. Credit: NASA/NRL

At 11:20 a.m. EDT on Oct. 6, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) received data from a NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft that Delta has rapidly strengthened into a category 4 hurricane.

Infrared Imagery Reveals a More Powerful Delta

One of the ways NASA researches tropical cyclones is by using infrared data which provides temperature information. Cloud top temperatures identify where the strongest storms are located. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and the colder the cloud top temperatures.

On Oct. 6 at 3:06 a.m. EDT (0706 UTC) NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite analyzed Hurricane Delta’s cloud top temperatures using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite or VIIRS instrument. At the time, Delta was a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph (140 kph). By 5 a.m. EDT, maximum sustained winds strengthened to 100 mph (155 kph). The storm continued to intensify rapidly during the morning hours.

VIIRS found strongest storms were around Delta’s center of circulation and in a band of thunderstorms south of the center. Temperatures in those areas were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Strong storms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6. degrees Celsius) surrounded both of those areas.

NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain. NASA provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists so they can incorporate it in their forecasts.

Warnings and Watches on Oct. 6

A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Tulum to Dzilam, Mexico and for Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands including Little Cayman and Cayman Brac and for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect from Punta Herrero to Tulum, Mexico and from Dzilam to Progresso, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Cuban province of La Habana.

Delta’s Status on Oct. 6

At 11:20 a.m. EDT, data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Delta is continuing to strengthen rapidly. The maximum winds have increased to near 130 mph (215 kph) with higher gusts.  This makes Delta a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Delta was centered near latitude 18.2 degrees north and longitude 82.7 degrees west, about 315 miles (510 km) east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.  Delta is moving to the west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph) and has a minimum central pressure near 954 millibars.

NHC Key Messages for Delta

The NHC issued several key messages about Delta today, Oct. 6:

STORM SURGE:  An extremely dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels along coast of the Yucatan peninsula within the hurricane warning area, near and to right of where the center makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

WIND:  Tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of the Cayman Islands today.  In the Yucatan Peninsula, hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area early Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions beginning later today or tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the tropical storm warning area tonight and Wednesday. In Cuba, tropical storm conditions are expected tonight in the warning area and possible in the watch area near the same time.

RAINFALL:  Delta is expected to produce 4 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches, across portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula through midweek. This rainfall may result in areas of significant flash flooding.

Over the next few days, Delta is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts, across portions of the Cayman Islands and western Cuba. This rainfall may result in areas of flash flooding and mudslides.

Delta’s Forecast

NHC noted, “A slower northwestward to north-northwest motion is forecast to begin by late Wednesday or Wednesday night. On the forecast track, the center of Delta is expected to continue to pass southwest of the Cayman Islands through early this afternoon, and move over the northeastern portion of the Yucatan peninsula late tonight or early Wednesday.  Delta is forecast to move over the southern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday afternoon, and be over the southern or central Gulf of Mexico through Thursday.”

What Happened to Gamma’s Remnants?

The remnant low-pressure area of Gamma was located off the north coast of Yucatan at 8 a.m. EDT. Gamma has since moved inland and is forecast to dissipate on Wednesday.

NASA Researches Earth from Space

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For updated forecasts, visit: www.hurricanes.gov

By Rob Gutro 
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Marie – Eastern Pacific Ocean

Oct. 06, 2020 – NASA Catches Development of Tropical Storm Norbert as Marie Declines

NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite passed over the Eastern Pacific Ocean and captured the birth of a depression that became Tropical Storm Norbert while Marie continued weakening while headed toward the Central Pacific.

Suomi NPP image of Norbert
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of the development of Tropical Storm Norbert near the coast of southwestern Mexico on Oct. 5 at 5:55 p.m. EDT (2155 UTC). Meanwhile, (top left), Tropical Storm Marie continues tracking toward the Central Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS).

The same VIIRS visible image (above) besides capturing Norbert also caught a weakening Tropical Storm Marie as it continued toward the Central Pacific Ocean. The Suomi NPP image showed that deep convection and building thunderstorms associated with Marie had all but dissipated and what was left of it was located over 120 nautical miles away from the exposed low-level center of the cyclone (as a result of wind shear).

By 5 a.m. EDT on Oct. 6, Tropical Depression 19E strengthened into a tropical storm and was re-dubbed Norbert. At 11 a.m. EDT, Marie was barely hanging onto tropical storm status and fading quickly.

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Marie was located near latitude 22.1 degrees north and longitude 135.1 degrees west. Marie is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 kph), and this general motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next day or so, followed by a turn toward the west late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph (75 kph) with higher gusts.  Gradual weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Marie is forecast to become a remnant low-pressure area by tonight and a trough of low pressure in a few days.

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center


Oct. 05, 2020 – NASA Infrared Imagery Reveals Wind Shear Displacing Marie’s Strongest Storms

NASA’s Aqua satellite provided an infrared view of Tropical Storm Marie that revealed the effects of outside winds battering the storm.

Aqua image of Marie
On Oct.5 at 6:20 a.m. EDT (1020 UTC), the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered infrared data on Marie that confirmed wind shear was adversely affecting the storm. Persistent westerly vertical wind shear showed strongest storms (yellow) pushed east of the center where cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 45.5 Celsius). Credit: NASA/NRL

Wind shear occurs when winds at different levels of the atmosphere push against the rotating cylinder of winds, weakening the rotation by pushing it apart at different levels.

NASA’s Aqua Satellite Reveals Effects of Wind Shear 

Infrared light is a tool used to analyze the strength of storms in tropical cyclones by providing temperature information about a system’s clouds. The strongest thunderstorms that reach highest into the atmosphere have the coldest cloud top temperatures. This temperature information can also tell forecasters if the strongest storms in a tropical cyclone are being pushed away from the center, indicating wind shear.

On Oct.5 at 6:20 a.m. EDT (1020 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered infrared data on Marie that confirmed wind shear was adversely affecting the storm. Westerly vertical wind shear has pushed strongest storms east of the center where cloud top temperatures are as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 45.5 Celsius). The remains of the deep convection associated with Marie continues to get further displaced from the exposed low-level center due strong upper-level westerly winds, with the gap now over 100 nautical miles between those two features.

Status of Tropical Storm Marie  

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Marie was located near latitude 21.1 degrees north and longitude 131.9 degrees west. Marie is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general motion, with a decrease in forward speed, is anticipated during the next couple of days followed by a turn to the west. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 kph) with higher gusts.

Forecast for Marie

Continued weakening is expected and Marie is forecast to degenerate into a remnant low by Tuesday night.

NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones

Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.

For updated forecasts. visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center