PGLM Utility: Electrically Active Storm Approaching Orlando Center

The radar imagery at 1707 UTC showed a cluster of convective cells developing just north of Orlando Center. Cloud to ground (CG) lightning was detected within these storms as seen in the lightning overlay. Note the flights outbound from Orlando Center flying the gap between these storms, which, judging by this imagery, was a safe route through.

At this same time (1708 UTC) the Pseudo Geostationary Lightning Mapper (PGLM) was also picking up lightning activity; however, note once again the flight routes. According to the PGLM, those plane flew directly through the worst of the electrical activity.

Keep in mind that the PGLM is showing total lightning, whereas the lightning overlay used here with the radar imagery is only representing CG lightning. While there were no significant issues (aside from some minor turbulence), lightning is a significant danger to aircraft operations. This case is an example of how using the total lightning of the PGLM can pick up on an electrical threat in a storm even in areas that may not having any detectable CG. It definitely shows potential for the GLM product coming with the launch of GOES-R.

120614 1707 UTC  base reflectivity and CG lightning detections

120614 1708 UTC PGLM