Using MSG-SEVIRI Cloud Physical Properties and Weather Radar Observations for the Detection of Cb/TCu Clouds

AbstractA new automated daytime cumulonimbus/towering cumulus (Cb/TCu) cloud detection method for the months of May–September is presented that combines information on cloud physical properties retrieved from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) on board Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites and weather radar reflectivity factors. First, a pixel-based convective cloud mask (CCM) is constructed on the basis of cloud physical properties [cloud-top temperature, cloud optical thickness (COT), effective radius, and cloud phase] derived from SEVIRI. Second, a logistic regression model is applied to determine the probability of Cb/TCu clouds for the collection of pixels that pass the CCM. In this model, MSG-SEVIRI cloud physical properties and weather radar reflectivity factors are used as potential predictor sources. The predictand is derived from aviation routine weather reports (METAR) made by human observers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for 2004–07. Results show that the CCM filt...