Gridded PGLM and 1-minute SRSOR imagery from GOES-14

Today marked the second of two GOES-14 SRSOR 1-minute imagery experiments in 2015. The chosen sector encompassed much of the Golden Triangle area and was in perfect position to view developing convection in that area. It was also of particular use with the gridded data from the Pseudo Geostationary Lightning Mapper (LMA networks). Previously available as an image only in the AWC's N-AWIPS systems, it is now available as a grid and can be used as an overlay.

The animation below shows GOES-14 1-minute imagery with the PGLM gridded data overlaid in the NALMA network, and also includes ASDI flight tracking in the Southeast U.S.

20150810 1619 - 1830 UTC GOES-14 1-minute visible imagery, PGLM, and ASDI flight routes

This particular area was noted this morning as being of interest for convective development near Atlanta Center. After some additional exploration of the various models and other parameters, forecasters did end up issuing an experimental CAWS for this area.

20150810 1557 Experimental CAWS

So, where then, would the PGLM be of use to CAWS issuance? Generally a CAWS is issued four hours ahead of when an impact is expected to occur, giving traffic flow managers ample time to make necessary plans. In this particular case the PGLM data confirmed the CAWS area, but indicated lightning activity further north than anticipated. Instead of reissuing a CAWS, the forecaster would likely just talk directly to the National Aviation Meteorologist on duty at the Command Center, who could then walk across the room to talk with the traffic flow managers.

If the additional extent of the lightning activity coincided with an area of growing echo tops and was deemed a high enough impact event, then an amendment may be considered. However, with the scattered and generally short-lived nature of summertime convection in this area, it is more likely that traffic flow managers would simply pass this information on the the routers and have them work 'ad hoc' or simply add reroutes as the need arose. Still, the additional lightning provides potential to this area and will be further explore throughout the next two weeks.