17 August 2017
FocusGroups
WMO VLab Training Calendar
The following calendar includes upcoming satellite training events, workshops, conferences and online sessions organized by CIRA, VLab partners, and other training providers around the globe. It is continuously updated, so be sure to revisit this page often.
For more information on event organizers and how to register, refer to the WMO Global Campus Calendar. This page also includes events outside of satellite training topics.
If you would prefer the standard version of this calendar please click here.
WMO VLab Training Calendar
The following calendar includes upcoming satellite training events, workshops, conferences and online sessions organized by CIRA, VLab partners, and other training providers around the globe. It is continuously updated, so be sure to revisit this page often.
For more information on event organizers and how to register, refer to the WMO Global Campus Calendar. This page also includes events outside of satellite training topics.
If you would prefer the Google version of this calendar please click here.
NOAA/WMO RA IV Virtual Workshop: An Interactive Analysis of Tropical Storm Philippe
Workshop Information
Registration
Operational forecasters are encouraged to participate. This is a certificate track workshop with participants interacting through the webinar exercises and responding to questions. Space is limited to 100 attendees and certificates of completion will be issued to attendees who participate in a minimum of 3 days of training. Please note that if the number of people registered exceeds the capacity of the workshop, we will implement a selection process to ensure that all Caribbean countries are represented.
*Registration for the workshop is now closed.
Resources
We recommend review of the following satellite products prior to the workshop.
- Quick Guide: ABI Band 2 (0.64 µm)
- Quick Guide: ABI Band 5 (1.61 µm)
- Quick Guide: ABI Band 10 (7.3 µm)
- Quick Guide: ABI Band 13 (10.3 µm)
- Quick Guide: Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) Full Disk Gridded Products
- Quick Guide: GeoColor Product
We also recommended review of the following online module prior to the workshop. In order to access it you will need to sign into COMET or create a new account. There is no fee.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have developed competency in using the data and products for weather forecasting, prediction and monitoring aligned with WMO Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists and the AmeriGEO Societal Benefit Areas (Water, Disasters, Health, etc.).

For any questions, please contact Sherrie Morris (sherrie.morris@noaa.gov).
Compilación de enlaces a productos satelitales disponibles en la web
Esta lista contiene algunos enlaces a diferentes productos del JPSS disponibles en línea, algunos a tiempo real, otros como modo archivo, o ambos.
1. Imágenes GOES
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- Slider Geoestacionario de CIRA. Canales individuales, RGBs y otros productos en modo de animación e imagen. Archivo disponible: http://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/
- CIRA RMTC. Sectores específicos de las Américas. Canales visible, vapor de agua, infrarrojo de onda corta y de onda larga. Formatos de animación e imagen: RAMSDIS Online – Central and South America and the Caribbean
- NOAA/NESDIS/STAR : https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/index.php
- Real Earth. Tiempo real y archivo: https://realearth.ssec.wisc.edu
- DSAT from INPE/CPTEC Brazil. Tiempo real y archivo. https://www.cptec.inpe.br/dsat/#
- CIMSS/SSEC Wisconsin: http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/goesdata.html
Formato digital (Ejemplo: NetCDF)
- Amazon Cloud. Imágenes en NetCDF, para procesamiento inmediato: http://home.chpc.utah.edu/~u0553130/Brian_Blaylock/cgi-bin/goes16_download.cgi
- NOAA Class. Archivo largo en NetCDF y formatos de imagen antes de 2017, disponibles según solicitud. Necesita crear una cuenta gratuita: https://www.class.noaa.gov/.
2. Imágenes POES: Radiómetro VIIRS
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- Slider Polar de CIRA: https://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/?sat=jpss
- RealEarth: https://re.ssec.wisc.edu/s/Q18PY3
- JSTAR Mapper: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/jpss/mapper/
- NASA Worldview: https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov
Formato digital (Ejemplo: NetCDF)
- Amazon Cloud. Imágenes en NetCDF, para procesamiento inmediato: http://home.chpc.utah.edu/~u0553130/Brian_Blaylock/cgi-bin/goes16_download.cgi
- NOAA Class. Archivo largo en NetCDF y formatos de imagen antes de 2017, disponibles según solicitud. Necesita crear una cuenta gratuita: https://www.class.noaa.gov/.
3. Mapeador de Rayos Geoestacionario (GLM)
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- NOAA/NESDIS/STAR: Datos del GLM disponibles a su máxima resolución temporal. Ideal para identificar intensificación de tormentas. Enlace: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/index.php
- CIRA – Americas in animation and image formats
- Real Earth: http://re.ssec.wisc.edu/
- NASA SPoRT: https://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/
- CICS-MD, Universidad de Maryland: https://lightning.umd.edu/
Formato digital (Ejemplo: NetCDF)
- NOAA Class. Archivo accesible via soclicitud: https://www.avl.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?datatype_family=GRGLMPROD
- NOAA Big Data Portal. Archivo: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/satellite-data/satellite-data-noaa-big-data-project
Información adicional
- NWS Virtual Lab: https://vlab.ncep.noaa.gov/web/geostationary-lightning-mapper
- Satellite Liaison blog: https://satelliteliaisonblog.com/category/lightning/
- HWT Tales from the Testbed: https://hwt.nssl.noaa.gov/tales/
4. Productos de Agua Precipitable (PW = Precipitable Water)
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- MIMIC TPW (CIMSS-UW): Agua precipitable total. http://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/real-time/mimic-tpw/global/main.html
- CIRA AMSU/SSMI: Agua precipitable total (TPW) y anomalía percentual de TPW. Archivo de un mes disponible: http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/ramsdis/online/rmtc.asp#Polar_Products
- NESDIS Blended TPW. Agua precipitable total. Archivo disponible: https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/bTPW/TPW_Animation.html?fromDate=20190428&fromHour=15&endDate=20190430&endHour=6&product=ATLANTIC_TPW&interval=3hours
- Advected Layered Precipitable Water (ALPW). Agua precipitable advectada por capas. Enlace para Norteamérica, Centroamérica y el Caribe: http://cat.cira.colostate.edu/sport/layered/advected/LPW_alt.htm Para Sudamérica: http://cat.cira.colostate.edu/sport/layered/advected/LPW_SAm.htm
5. Temperatura superficial del mar (TSM, SST en inglés) y color del océano
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png; algunos productos permiten ver valores bajo el cursor)
- NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) SST and Anomalies: https://psl.noaa.gov/map/clim/sst.shtml
- NOAA OSPO SST (Office of Satellite and Product Operations): https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/ocean/sst/contour/
- NOAA OSPO SST Anomalies (Office of Satellite and Product Operations): https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/ocean/sst/anomaly/index.html
- NOAA NNVL SST Optimal Interpolation SST (OISST) Anomalies: https://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/view/globaldata.html#SSTA
- GHRSST (Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature): https://www.ghrsst.org/latest-sst-map/
- OSTIA (Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Ice Analysis), from the Met Office: http://ghrsst-pp.metoffice.gov.uk/ostia-website/index.html
- NOAA Star Ocean Color Research Team – OCView: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/socd/mecb/color/ocview/ocview.html
6. Hidro Estimadores e Inundaciones
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- STAR Satellite Rainfall Estimates. Estimaciones de lluvia de 1, 3, 6 y 24 horas. Formato imagen. Enlace: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/smcd/emb/ff/HydroEst.php
- JAXA Global Rainfall Map. Hydro Estimador de la Agencia Meteorológica del Japón: https://sharaku.eorc.jaxa.jp/GSMaP/index.htm
- GPM IMERG Global PRecipitation Viewer: https://gpm.nasa.gov/data/visualization/global-viewer
- CMORPH: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/janowiak/cmorph_description.html
- NOAA Satellite Proving Ground Website (Inundaciones): https://www.ssec.wisc.edu/flood-map-demo/
7. Vectores Atmosféricos y campos derivados
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-East Full Disk – Derived Motion Winds. You can change some specifications once you access the following link (example, animate over 240 images, among other options): https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes-draft/fulldisk_band.php?sat=G16&band=DMW&length=12
- NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-West Full Disk – Derived Motion Winds. https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/goes-draft/fulldisk_band.php?sat=G17&band=DMW&length=12
8. Vientos de Escaterómetro (Scatterometer)
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- ASCAT/ScatSAT, vientos en la superficie del océano. Enlace: https://manati.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/datasets/ASCATData.php/
9. Incendios (focos cálidos) y humo
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- Real Earth at SSEC, CIMSS: Fire Radiative Power http://realearth.ssec.wisc.edu/?products=AFIMG-Points.100
- VIIRS at the the University of Maryland: http://viirsfire.geog.umd.edu/map/viirsMap.php
- The CIRA Slider has RGBs and individual channels for this purpose, which can be selected using the left menu: http://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/
- Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) RAP – Smoke Model Fields – Experimental (choose full domain) https://rapidrefresh.noaa.gov/RAPsmoke/Welcome.cgi?dsKey=rap_smoke_jet&domain=full&run_time=07+Oct+2020+-+18Z
10. Emisiones Volcánicas
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- NOAA/CIMMS Volcanic Cloud Monitoring: http://volcano.ssec.wisc.edu/
- NOAA – Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC): https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/atmosphere/vaac/index.html
SO2 y aerosoles:
- NOAA – Datos derivados del sensor polar OMI https://satepsanone.nesdis.noaa.gov/pub/OMI/OMISO2/index.html
- NASA – Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Home Page https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html
- SACS – El Servicio de Control en Apoyo de la Aviación (SACS para “Support to Aviation Control Service”) hosted by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a project initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) aiming at supporting the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers. https://sacs.aeronomie.be/
11. NOAA Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) Temperature and Moisture Soundings
- Mapa Global de NUCAPS (NRT, ultimas 24 horas). NUCAPS son sondeos derivados de satélites polares, y muestran perfiles verticales de humedad y temperatura. Para acceder, seguir las instrucciones en la parte superior de la página. Sea paciente! https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/atmosphere/soundings/nucaps/pskewt/USACON.html
12. Productos de Ciclones Tropicales
Formato imagen (Ejemplo: gif, jpg, o png)
- CIRA: http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/products/tc_realtime/
- SSEC/CIMSS: http://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic.php
- ETRAP: https://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/etrap.html
13. Enlaces Adicionales
- Página de JPSS – Universidad de Wisconsin: https://data.ssec.wisc.edu/jpssdata.html
- Página de GOES – Universidad de Wisconsin: http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/goesdata.html
- NOAA/Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) ( Aerosoles | Nubes | Fuego & Humo | Ozono & Química atmosférica | Precipitación (lluvia) | Balance Radiativo | Sondeos | Ceniza volcánica | Vientos): https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/atmosphere/index.html
- Satellite Data Access by Satellite and Instrument | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) formerly known as National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
WMO-CGMS Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
The full list of WMO VLab documents, including Guidelines on Satellite Skills translated to additional languages, can be found on their webpage.
Satellite Skills Poster (English)
Satellite Skills Poster (Español)
Guidelines on Satellite Skills (English)
Guidelines on Satellite Skills (Español)
Caribbean Weather Forecasting Initiative: WMO RA IV Virtual Satellite Applications Workshop: 5-8 December 2022
Workshop Information
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) Headquarters Unit, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology (CIMH), and the University of Leeds are organizing a virtual training workshop for participants from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) North America and Caribbean Region IV. The virtual training, hosted by CIMH, will be December 5-8 , 2022. The Satellite Applications workshop will include an overview of GOES-R and JPSS satellite capabilities, how to access data to address forecasting challenges and improve data driven decision making to advance WMO and the AmeriGEO Societal Benefit Areas (Water, Disasters, Health, etc.). This is an English language only event with no simultaneous interpretation available.
Registration
Forecasters, researchers, and students are all encouraged to participate. Full time participants will interact through the webinar, respond to questions and submit homework. Space is limited to 100 attendees. Please note that if the number of people registered exceeds the capacity of the webinar, we may implement a selection process to ensure that all English Speaking Latin American and Caribbean countries are represented. A certificate will be provided to participants who complete the course successfully.
Registration is required. Because of the virtual nature of the training, there will be a pre-orientation training on Friday, December 2 to confirm participation and data access. There is no registration fee for the workshop. The deadline to register for the workshop is 28 November 2022.
Resources
It is strongly recommended that participants complete the following online modules in advance to prepare for the workshop:
Note it is required to register in COMET for some of the modules. There is no fee to take the modules. Only three modules are suggested.
- GOES-R: Benefits of Next-Generation Environmental Monitoring
- GOES-R ABI: Next Generation Satellite Imaging
- GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper
- Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites
- Satellite Foundation Course for JPSS
Only the first four modules are suggested.
- Introduction to Microwave Remote Sensing
- Oxygen and Water Vapor Absorption Bands
- Microwave Surface Emissivity
- Influence of Clouds and Precipitation
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a working knowledge of the GOES-R Series and JPSS key instruments and develop competency in using the data and products for weather forecasting, prediction, monitoring and/or research. A certificate will be provided to participants who complete the course successfully.

Problems or questions? Contact:
- Sherrie Morris: sherrie.morris@noaa.gov
- Kathy-Ann Caesar: kacaesar@cimh.edu.bb
- Bernie Connell: bernie.connell@colostate.edu
Dust Cases
Location & Data
Example Image
HAniS
RGB Recipes


WMO VLab & NOAA Train the Trainers Workshop 2022
This workshop is offered on Saturday, August 6, 2022, with both in-person and remote participation, and will touch briefly on four themes: Continuing Professional Development, Blended Learning, Cross-Disciplinary Audiences, and building resilience to handle unusual and disaster situations. It is a large umbrella and we will approach it by laying the foundation for a data distribution exercise that will occur after the workshop during the following year. Resilience after confronting an unusual event often depends on being prepared and adaptable before the event.
The goals of the workshop are to:
- Identify available training planning resources
- Gather input on the training development plan for the data distribution exercise to occur after the workshop
- Open awareness to existing communities of practice
Participants are encouraged to provide input to the training development plan both during and after the workshop. The training session will be in English with informal opportunities for consecutive translation into Spanish and Portuguese.
Presentations
Introduction, Objectives, Collaboration Guidance (Bernie Connell)
WMO and Other Trainer Resources (Bernie Connell)
Inspirar, Compartir, Colaborar, Cooperar en el marco del Campus Mundial de OMM (Marinés Campos)
The Regional Focus Group: Keeping in Touch with your Neighbors (José Gálvez)
Examples of Data and Training Distribution to Utilize under Normal and Unusual Circumstances (Diego Souza & Marcial Garbanzo)
How Can We Reduce the Impacts of Severe Weather (Kathy-Ann Caesar)
Discussion and Training Development Plan Activity
Volcano Cases (HAniS format)
Other Cases
Snow in Peru18 July 2019 | Day Snow-Fog RGB, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, GeoColor | |
Fires in Brazil13 August 2019 | GeoColor, Fire Temperature RGB, Natural Color-Fire RGB, Shortwave Albedo | 224 AVIRIS Channels |
Cold Front in South America1-5 August 2019 | Dust RGB, GeoColor, Ch 8, Ch 15 | |
20 November 2021 | GeoColor, Day Snow-Fog RGB, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, Natural Color Fire RGB, Ch 7, Ch 13 + GLM, ASH RGB, SO2 RGB | |
Cold Airmass (not SO2)30 January 2019 | Airmass RGB, SO2 RGB, Split Water Vapor | |
Cold Airmass (not SO2) Affecting North America17-22 January 2025 | Airmass RGB, SO2 RGB, Day Land Cloud RGB, Ch 7 | |
Moderate Bora/Winds in Colorado1 January 2025 | Nighttime Microphysics RGB, GeoColor, SO2 RGB, 6.2um, 6.9um, 7.3um, 8.4um, 10.3um, 3.9um | |
Dust and Fires on the Plains14 March 2025 | GeoColor, Dust RGB, SO2 RGB, Ash RGB, CVD Dust RGB, GeoDEBRA, Nighttime Microphysics RGB, Day Fire RGB, Fire Temperature RGB, Shortwave Albedo, 3.9um, 10.3um |
Quick Guides / Guías Rápidas
Taller virtual sobre Aplicaciones Satelitales para la AR-III de la OMM: noviembre de 2021
El enlace para ver por YouTube está en la parte inferior de la página: http://www.meteochile.gob.cl/PortalDMC-web/index.xhtml
Para ver por Facebook, debe seguirlos en la cuenta: @meteochiledmc
Información del taller
La Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC) está organizando un Taller virtual sobre Aplicaciones Satelitales en español para participantes de la Asociación Regional III (América del Sur) de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM) en noviembre de 2021. La capacitación de dos semanas se llevará a cabo del 8 al 10 de noviembre y del 15 al 17 de noviembre de 2021. El taller incluirá una descripción general de las capacidades de los satélites GOES-R y JPSS y cómo acceder a los datos para abordar los desafíos de pronóstico y mejorar la toma de decisiones basada en datos para avanzar en las áreas de beneficio social de la OMM y AmeriGEO (agua, desastres, salud, etc.). Este es un evento sólo en español, y no contará con interpretación simultánea.
Inscripción
Invitamos a participar a meteorólogos, investigadores y estudiantes. Existen dos formas de participar:
- Los participantes de tiempo completo asistirán a un seminario web interactivo (vía Zoom), responderán preguntas en línea y deberán contestar tareas. Solo existen 100 vacantes para esta modalidad y los participantes que opten por ella, son candidatos a recibir un certificado al término del taller. (Registro cerrado)
- Los participantes que no participen de todas las sesiones, pueden seguir el taller a través de una plataforma en vivo, vía streaming, y realizar preguntas durante las sesiones. En esta modalidad no recibirán un certificado. (Regístrese para mostrar su interés)
Recursos
Se recomienda encarecidamente que los parcipantes completen los siguientes módulos en línea con ancipación para prepararse para el taller:
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente tres módulos:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental
- Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente cuatro módulos:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
Al finalizar el taller, los participantes habrán adquirido conocimiento práctico de los instrumentos clave de la Serie GOES-R y JPSS; y habrán aprendido a trabajar con el uso de los datos y productos para el pronóstico del tiempo, la predicción, el monitoreo y / o la investigación. Se proporcionará un certificado a los participantes que soliciten esa opción con anticipación y completen el curso con éxito.

Problemas or preguntas? Contacto:
- Sherrie Morris: sherrie.morris@noaa.gov
- Bernie Connell: bernie.connell@colostate.edu
WMO RA-III Chile Virtual Training on Satellite Applications: November 2021
The YouTube link for streaming is at the bottom of the MeteoChile page: http://www.meteochile.gob.cl/PortalDMC-web/index.xhtml
If you want to view the workshop through Facebook, follow them at @meteochiledmc
Workshop Information
Dirección Meteorológica de Chile is hosting a virtual satellite workshop in Spanish for participants from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) South America Region III in November 2021. The two week training will be November 8-10 and November 15-17, 2021. The workshop will include an overview of GOES-R and JPSS satellite capabilities and how to access data to address forecasting challenges and improve data driven decision making to advance WMO and the AmeriGEO Societal Benefit Areas (Water, Disasters, Health, etc.). This is a Spanish language only event with no simultaneous interpretation available.
Registration
Forecasters, researchers, and students are all encouraged to participate. Please note there will be two types of participation:
- Full time participants will attend through an interactive webinar, responding online to questions and submitting homework. Space is limited to 100 attendees and participants are eligible for a certificate. (Registration closed)
- All others can participate through a Live Streaming platform giving them the ability to observe real-time and ask questions during the sessions. Space is unlimited and participants are not eligible for a certificate. (Please register to show your interest)
Resources
It is strongly recommended that participants complete the following online modules in advance to prepare for the workshop:
Note it is required to register in COMET for some of the modules. Only three modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites (Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental)
- Satellite Foundation Course for JPSS (Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS)
Only four modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a working knowledge of the GOES-R Series and JPSS key instruments and develop competency in using the data and products for weather forecasting, prediction, monitoring and/or research. A certificate will be provided to participants who apply for that option in advance and complete the course successfully.

Problems or questions? Contact:
- Sherrie Morris: sherrie.morris@noaa.gov
- Bernie Connell: bernie.connell@colostate.edu
Entrenamiento Virtual en Aplicaciones de Satélite para la AR-IV de la OMM: octubre de 2020
La Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), localizada en San José, Costa Rica, está organizando un taller virtual de entrenamiento en español para participantes de Latino América y El Caribe en Octubre del 2020. El taller tendrá lugar los Miércoles y Jueves durante tres semanas consecutivas que son los días: 14 y 15, 21 y 22, 28 y 29 de Octubre del 2020. El taller cubrirá las capacidades de los satélites GOES-R y JPSS, así como el acceso a datos en apoyo a retos en los pronósticos de la Asociación Regional IV (AR-IV) de la Organización Mundial de Meteorología (OMM). El taller será conducido solamente en español, sin interpretación simultánea disponible.
Se celebrará un taller paralelo para la AR-III de la OMM en noviembre de 2020. Puede encontrar más información aquí:
- Entrenamiento Virtual en Aplicaciones de Satélite para la AR-III de la OMM
- ¿Cuánto ancho de banda tengo disponible para Internet?
Tutorial de McIDAS-V: Viendo imágenes de humedad y nubosidad (CMI en inglés) del GOES-16 del visible, infrarrojo cercano e infrarrojo
Cargando una porción de las imágenes de disco completo. Versión corta de instrucciones del tutorial la versión larga de paso a paso
Mostrar/Esconder más información
La versión corta del tutorial usa un archivo “bundle” de McIDAS-V para desplegar rápidamente de una vez imágenes de humedad y nubosidad del GOES-16.
La versión larga de paso a paso proporciona instrucciones detalladas sobre cómo cargar imágenes CMI, aplicar tablas de colores, cambiar etiquetas. Los objetivos de este ejercicio son: 1) demostrar que McIDAS-V puede cargar una porción de las imágenes del disco lleno en el formato dado netCDF y 2) poder ver, examinar y comparar los datos del nivel 2 de CMI en dos grupos: 6 canales del visible e infrarrojo (IR) cercano y 10 canales del infrarrojo. Este ejercicio le proporciona potencialmente al usuario muchos ejemplos de características hidrológicas, meteorológicas y ambientales que sobresalen en el material de fondo. Su misión es explorar los datos y reportar de vuelta lo que encontró.
La principal razón por la que este tutorial se enfoca en una porción de los datos es que le toma más tiempo y más memoria a McIDAS-V cargar las imágenes del disco completo en alta resolución que estarán disponibles por medio de la transmisión de GEONETCast-Americas cuando el GOES-16 sea operacional. Si no tiene ya instalado McIDAS-V en su computadora, se incluye información sobre dónde obtenerlo. Se proporciona también un enlace para los datos de muestra y los archivos “bundle”. Ya que los tutoriales están en inglés, los veremos paso a paso durante el curso. ¡Feliz exploración!
Tutorial de McIDAS-V: Viendo imágenes del visible, infrarrojo cercano e infrarrojo del VIIRS del Suomi-NPP
Instrucciones del tutorial para cargar un bloque de 5 minutos de las imágenes del barrido.
Mostrar/Esconder más información
En este tutorial, se usan archivos “bundle” de instrucciones de McIDAS-V (con la extensión .mcv) para desplegar rápidamente los datos del VIIRS del Suomi-NPP (con la extensión .h5) con configuraciones predefinidas. Los objeticos de este ejercicio son demostrar que McIDAS-V puede cargar un barrido en el formato dado del archivo HDF5 y puede ver, explorar y comparar los datos de resolución “Moderada” (“M”, 750 m) de las 16 bandas en tres grupos: 5 bandas del visible, 6 bandas del infrarrojo cercano y 5 bandas del infrarrojo. Si no tiene ya instalado McIDAS-V en su computadora, se incluye dónde obtenerlo. También se proporciona un enlace para los datos de muestra y los archivos “bundle”. Ya que los tutoriales están en inglés, iremos paso a paso por ellos durante el curso. Algunos de los canales y productos de VIIRS estarán disponibles a través de la GNC-A durante el próximo año. ¡Feliz exploración!
Demostración de la herramienta de HAniS
Se recomienda encarecidamente que los parcipantes completen los siguientes módulos en línea con ancipación para prepararse para el taller:
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente tres módulos:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental
- Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente cuatro módulos:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
Al finalizar el taller, los participantes habrán adquirido conocimientos acerca de los instrumentos principales de GOES-R y JPSS; y habrán desarrollado habilidades para trabajar con datos y productos aplicados a pronóstico del tiempo, predicción, monitoreo o investigación a través de ejercicios prácticos y casos de estudio. Se otorgará un certificado de participación a quienes participen activamente en todas las sesiones así como las asignaciones.

Problemas or preguntas? Contacto:
WMO RA-IV Costa Rica Virtual Training on Satellite Applications: October 2020
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) in San Jose, Costa Rica is hosting a virtual satellite workshop in Spanish for participants from the Latin America and Caribbean region in October 2020. The training will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays for three consecutive weeks, October 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29, 2020. The workshop will cover both GOES-R and JPSS satellite capabilities and data access to support the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Region IV forecast challenges. This is a Spanish language only event with no simultaneous interpretation available.
*A parallel workshop will be held for WMO RA-III in November 2020. More information can be found here:
It is strongly recommended that participants complete the following online modules in advance to prepare for the workshop:
Note it is required to register in COMET for some of the modules. Only three modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites (Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental)
- Satellite Foundation Course for JPSS (Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS)
Only four modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a general working knowledge of the GOES-R Series and JPSS key instruments as well as develop competency in working with the data and products for weather forecasting,
prediction, monitoring or research through hands-on exercises and case studies. A certificate of participation will be provided to participants actively engaged in all sessions.

Problems or questions? Contact:
Entrenamiento Virtual en Aplicaciones de Satélite para la AR-III de la OMM: noviembre de 2020
**Taller de Aplicaciones Satelitales AR-III 2020 – Transmisión en vivo vía Youtube**
La transmisión será en vivo, a través de la cuenta de FIMCM-ESPOL (Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar FIMCM de la Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpQ0qbY6YvsMZjUh0ssqZw
divider
La Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) y el Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología
(INAMHI) en Ecuador están conduciendo un taller virtual en español para participantes de la Asociación
Regional III (Suramérica) de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM), en noviembre de 2020. El
entrenamiento se conducirá los días martes 10, jueves 12, martes 17, miércoles 18 y jueves 19 de noviembre. El taller cubrirá las capacidades de los satélites del GOES-R and JPSS y el acceso a datos para el apoyo de Áreas de Beneficio para la Sociedad (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés); y los retos del pronóstico para la Región III de la OMM. El taller será conducido en español.
Se celebrará un taller paralelo para la AR-IV de la OMM en octubre de 2020. Puede encontrar más información aquí:
Se recomienda encarecidamente que los parcipantes completen los siguientes módulos en línea con ancipación para prepararse para el taller:
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente tres módulos:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental
- Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS
Se requiere que se complete como mínimo los siguiente cuatro módulos:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
divider
Para el final del taller, los participantes habrán adquirido conocimiento sobre la serie GOES-R y JPSS, sus instrumentos clave; y habrán desarrollado competencias sobre cómo trabajar e interpretar los datos y productos para pronósticos del empo, monitoreo e investigación, a través de los ejercicios y casos de estudio. Se otorgará un cerficado a los asistentes que parcipen activamente en todas las sesiones.

Problemas or preguntas? Contacto:
WMO RA-III Ecuador Virtual Training on Satellite Applications: November 2020
**Satellite Applications Workshop for RA-III 2020 – Broadcast live via YouTube**
There will be a live broadcast of the workshop through the FIMCM-ESPOL (Facultad de Ingeniería Marítima y Ciencias del Mar FIMCM de la Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral ESPOL) channel (in Spanish). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpQ0qbY6YvsMZjUh0ssqZw
divider
Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) and the Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI) in Ecuador are hosting a virtual satellite workshop in Spanish for participants from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) South America Region III in November 2020. The training will be on Tuesday, November 10th, Thursday 12th, and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday November 17, 18 and 19. The workshop will cover both GOES-R and JPSS satellite capabilities and data access to support AmeriGEO Societal Benefit Areas (SBA’s) and the WMO’s Region III forecast challenges. This is a Spanish language only event with no simultaneous interpretation available.
*A parallel workshop was held for WMO RA-IV in October 2020. More information can be found here:
divider
It is strongly recommended that participants complete the following online modules in advance to prepare for the workshop:
Note it is required to register in COMET for some of the modules. Only three modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de próxima generación
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- El GLM del GOES-R: introducción al sensor de rayos geoestacionario
- Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites (Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental)
- Satellite Foundation Course for JPSS (Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS)
Only four modules are suggested. The Spanish titles of these modules are:
- Introducción a la teledetección por microondas
- Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
- Emisividad superficial de microondas
- Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a general working knowledge of the GOES-R Series and JPSS key instruments as well as develop competency in working with the data and products for weather forecasting, prediction, monitoring or research through hands-on exercises and case studies. A certificate of participation will be provided to participants actively engaged in all sessions.

Problems or questions? Contact:
Curso básico de satélites para el JPSS (Español)
Introducción a la teledetección por microondas (con un enfoque en la percepción pasiva)
Bandas de absorción del oxígeno y del vapor de agua
Emisividad superficial de microondas
Influencia de las nubes y la precipitación
CIRA/WMO VLab Ejercicios de McIDAS-V a cargar imagenes del GOES y del JPSS
Los siguientes ejercicios se desarrollaron para dos talleres: durante la semana AmeriGEOSS “Taller sobre el sistema GEONETCast-Américas / Acceso, visualización, interpretación y uso de imágenes satelitales” que tendrá lugar del 31 de julio al 4 de agosto, 2017 y “Taller de OMM/NOAA VLab de Capacitar al Capacitador sobre el Uso de datos Satelitales: Acceso a Través de GEONETCast Américas, Visualización, Interpretación, y Uso en Capacitación”, 15 y 16 de julio, 2017. Estos ejercicios se enfocan en enlazar información de módulos de entrenamiento en línea con actividades prácticas de exploración de datos. Si no está familiarizado con el nuevo satélite GOES-16 o el VIIRS, le recomendamos que revise los siguientes tutoriales para que lo haga:
- El ABI del GOES-R: la próxima generación de imágenes satelitales
- Introduction to VIIRS Imaging and Applications (Note que actualmente sólo está disponible en inglés)
- GOES-R: beneficios de la observación ambiental de la próxima generación
- Suomi NPP: Una nueva generación de satélites de observación ambiental
Agenda del Taller de AmeriGEOSS GEONETCast
Agenda del Taller de OMM/NOAA VLab de Capacitar al Capacitador
Los siguientes ejemplos y otros que no están en la lista, se utilizarán durante el taller.
Ejercicio 1
Tutorial de McIDAS-V: Viendo imágenes de humedad y nubosidad (CMI en inglés) del GOES-16 del visible, infrarrojo cercano e infrarrojo
Cargando una porción de las imágenes de disco completo. Versión corta de instrucciones del tutorial la versión larga de paso a paso.
Cargando el archivo del disco completo. Versión corta de instrucciones del tutorial la versión larga de paso a paso (Note que actualmente sólo está disponible en inglés)
Mostrar/Esconder más información
La versión corta del tutorial usa un archivo “bundle” de McIDAS-V para desplegar rápidamente de una vez imágenes de humedad y nubosidad del GOES-16. La versión larga de paso a paso proporciona instrucciones detalladas sobre cómo cargar imágenes CMI, aplicar tablas de colores, cambiar etiquetas. Los objetivos de este ejercicio son: 1) demostrar que McIDAS-V puede cargar una porción de las imágenes del disco lleno en el formato dado netCDF y 2) poder ver, examinar y comparar los datos del nivel 2 de CMI en dos grupos: 6 canales del visible e infrarrojo (IR) cercano y 10 canales del infrarrojo. Este ejercicio le proporciona potencialmente al usuario muchos ejemplos de características hidrológicas, meteorológicas y ambientales que sobresalen en el material de fondo. Su misión es explorar los datos y reportar de vuelta lo que encontró.
La principal razón por la que este tutorial se enfoca en una porción de los datos es que le toma más tiempo y más memoria a McIDAS-V cargar las imágenes del disco completo en alta resolución que estarán disponibles por medio de la transmisión de GEONETCast-Americas cuando el GOES-16 sea operacional. Si no tiene ya instalado McIDAS-V en su computadora, se incluye información sobre dónde obtenerlo. Se proporciona también un enlace para los datos de muestra y los archivos “bundle”. Ya que los tutoriales están en inglés, los veremos paso a paso durante el curso. ¡Feliz exploración!
Ejercicio 2
Tutorial de McIDAS-V: Viendo imágenes del visible, infrarrojo cercano e infrarrojo del VIIRS del Suomi-NPP
Instrucciones del tutorial para cargar un bloque de 5 minutos de las imágenes del barrido.
Mostrar/Esconder más información
En este tutorial, se usan archivos “bundle” de instrucciones de McIDAS-V (con la extensión .mcv) para desplegar rápidamente los datos del VIIRS del Suomi-NPP (con la extensión .h5) con configuraciones predefinidas. Los objeticos de este ejercicio son demostrar que McIDAS-V puede cargar un barrido en el formato dado del archivo HDF5 y puede ver, explorar y comparar los datos de resolución “Moderada” (“M”, 750 m) de las 16 bandas en tres grupos: 5 bandas del visible, 6 bandas del infrarrojo cercano y 5 bandas del infrarrojo. Si no tiene ya instalado McIDAS-V en su computadora, se incluye dónde obtenerlo. También se proporciona un enlace para los datos de muestra y los archivos “bundle”. Ya que los tutoriales están en inglés, iremos paso a paso por ellos durante el curso. Algunos de los canales y productos de VIIRS estarán disponibles a través de la GNC-A durante el próximo año. ¡Feliz exploración!
WMO High Profile Training Event (HPTE)
Executive Summary
The High Profile Training Event (HPTE) was a major milestone in the evolution of the WMO / CGMS Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Meteorology. It provided a unique education and training opportunity to WMO Members through the presentation of a series of interactive, online, presentations in the period 16 to 27 October 2006.
The HPTE provided training on different levels in this period:
- Four core interactive online lectures will be presented to WMO Members in each Region through the local WMO Centre of Excellence (Niger, Oman, Kenya, Barbados, Brazil, Costa Rica, China and Australia)
- At least one inter regional image and product discussion between WMO Members and the VL Partners in those regions.
Lectures
Lecture A: The WMO Space Programme
Introduction
The objectives of this session are:
Part 1 – Update on:
- The Space Based component of the Global Observing System
- Global Access to Satellite Data and Products
- Global Access to Training in Satellite Meteorology
Part 2:
- Familiarization with current and future space based component of the Global Observing System.
- Review satellite orbits used for meteorological and environmental applications
- Explain the four critical resolutions for space based observing systems
- Show examples of different applications
- Provide a pathway for obtaining more information
- Background for the remainder of HPTE lectures
Part 3:
Training Session Options
- The interactive VISITview training session using Yahoo Messenger for voice. (To be used with the instructor leading the session ).
This teletraining session uses the VISITview software. To participate, you will require a computer with internet connection, a sound card, a microphone and speakers (or earphones). You will also need to have the freeware Yahoo messenger installed on your computer and have registered as a Yahoo messenger user. - Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime. For detailed information on how to view the recorded session click here.
References/Additional Links
Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Training and Data Utilization (CIRA)
VISIT
Talking Points
Talking points – these are included with both the teletraining and audio playback sessions. Click on the see URL button to view them.
Content Developed/Updated
2006
Information Contact
Lecture B: Spectral Bands and Their Applications
Introduction
The objectives of this session are:
- To understand the difference between visible, near infrared, and infrared radiation (channels).
- To understand the basic underlying principals behind channel selection and the factors that influence channel selection.
- To understand what information can be obtained using the various satellite channels available from operational and research satellites.
- To understand how to interpret data from various channels individually and in combination with other channels.
- To understand the difference between multi-spectral and hyper-spectral data.
Training Session Options
- The interactive VISITview training session using Yahoo Messenger for voice. (To be used with the instructor leading the session ).
This teletraining session uses the VISITview software. To participate, you will require a computer with internet connection, a sound card, a microphone and speakers (or earphones). You will also need to have the freeware Yahoo messenger installed on your computer and have registered as a Yahoo messenger user. - Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime. For detailed information on how to view the recorded session click here.
References/Additional Links
Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Training and Data Utilization (CIRA)
VISIT
Talking Points
Talking points – these are included with both the teletraining and audio playback sessions. Click on the see URL button to view them.
Content Developed/Updated
2006
Information Contact
Lecture C: From Images to Products
Introduction
This presentation will show how to create ‘products’ from satellite images. ‘Products’ in this sense are meteorological parameters of defined value and physical unit. The lecture is intended to address beginners in this field. ‘From images to products’ is demonstrated by two examples, namely the derivation of wind vectors and of a cloud mask. At the end, an outlook is given to more advanced product derivation as e.g. from sounding instruments.
Training Session Options
- The interactive VISITview training session using Yahoo Messenger for voice. (To be used with the instructor leading the session ).
This teletraining session uses the VISITview software. To participate, you will require a computer with internet connection, a sound card, a microphone and speakers (or earphones). You will also need to have the freeware Yahoo messenger installed on your computer and have registered as a Yahoo messenger user. - Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime. For detailed information on how to view the recorded session click here.
References/Additional Links
EUMETSAT website
Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin
Envisat Product Handbooks
Talking Points
Talking points – these are included with both the teletraining and audio playback sessions. Click on the see URL button to view them.
Content Developed/Updated
2006
Information Contact
Lecture D: The Development and Evolution of Deep Convection and Heavy Rainfall
Introduction
- Understand conceptual models of convective development
- Recognize the intrinsic linking between vertical forcing and instability in convective development and evolution
- Recognize the inderlying importance of differential heating and vorticity generation in the development and evolution of convection
- Recognize the importance of surface heating and the various factors that influence it in the development of instability and the atmosphere’s ability to support convection
- Understand the importance of precipitation and storm outflow to the generating and sustaining convective development and evolution
- Recognize the underlying importance of boundary interaction in severs storm development and evolution.
- Understand the interaction between the storm and its environment as that interaction influences storm lifecycle
- Understand the role of vorticity on the local scale in tornado development
- Increase the forecasters skill in incorporating satellite data in nowcasting convection and severe convective weather
Training Session Options
- The interactive VISITview training session using Yahoo Messenger for voice. (To be used with the instructor leading the session ).
This teletraining session uses the VISITview software. To participate, you will require a computer with internet connection, a sound card, a microphone and speakers (or earphones). You will also need to have the freeware Yahoo messenger installed on your computer and have registered as a Yahoo messenger user. - Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime. For detailed information on how to view the recorded session click here. Create a directory, then download the audio playback file (it is 148 MB in size) from the following site into that directory: ftp://rammftp.cira.colostate.edu/Connell/HPTE/English/LectD-V13-sound.zip After extracting the files into that directory click on the visitplay.bat file to start the lesson. Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation. Two separate windows will appear after starting the module. One of them is a playback control window, allowing you to change slides (they are changed automatically by default), click on slide 1 at the top to begin the presentation. (Sometimes the playback control window is hidden under the next window – the controls frame.) The other window is the controls frame, this is where you can click the See URL button whenever it is highlighted to bring up a separate browser that goes to the URL listed on the page.
References/Additional Links
Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Training and Data Utilization (CIRA)
VISIT
Talking Points
Talking points – these are included with both the teletraining and audio playback sessions. Click on the see URL button to view them.
Content Developed/Updated
2006
Information Contact
CIRA & NOAA Activities Supporting the WMO-CGMS VLab
The Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) is a global network of specialized training centres and meteorological satellite operators working together to improve the utilisation of data and products from meteorological and environmental satellites. It was established by the World Meteorological Organization Space Programme (WSP) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) in 2001.
Upcoming Regional Focus Group Sessions
- Register for the special session “The Galvez-Davison Index (GDI)” on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
- Register for the special session “El Índice Galvez-Davison (GDI)” on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
- Register for the RFG session on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
Recent Publications
- AGU Poster, December 2021: Mapping and Assessing the Long Term WMO VLab Connections Linked to Building Capacity in the Americas and the Caribbean
WMO published the Global Campus Innovations publication in 2020. Our paper about the Regional Focus Group can be found in Section 1.3 and is available in both English and Spanish:
- English: Enhancing long-term impacts of training through international collaboration: the case of the VLab Regional Focus Group of the Americas and Caribbean
- Español: Mejora en los impactos de largo plazo del entrenamiento por medio de la colaboración internacional: el caso del Grupo de Enfoque Regional del VLab de las Américas y el Caribe
WMO’s Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence (RMTCoE)
CIRA’s interaction with Central American and Caribbean countries was undertaken in 1996 in the spirit of the 45th session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) executive council which recommended that “each satellite operator … cooperate with at least one of the specialized satellite applications training centres (“centres of excellence”) strategically located around the globe with regard to the satellite programme, facilities and expertise required” (Purdom, 1997).
Under this activity, CIRA partnered with NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) and the Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence (RMTCoE) in Costa Rica and Barbados. In 2006, the partnership expanded to include the newly recognized RMTCoE in Argentina and Brazil.
The progression of training activities focused on satellite meteorology has gone from classroom based instruction to virtual instruction and initiation of a focus group. The target group initially included forecasters, but has expanded to include researchers, students, managers and others outside the field of meteorology. Although we heavily use satellite information, we recognize the benefits of utilizing conventional observations, model data, and “whatever works”.
Background Articles
- International focus group – virtually there with VISITview Jan. 2008 AMS 17th Symposium on Education, P1.54.
- International Activities: Weather Briefings and Training via the Internet Fall 2007 CIRA Magazine, pages 4-7.
- National and International Training Activities at CIRA Spring 2004 CIRA Magazine, pages 7-9.
- International Activities and Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction Efforts Fall 2001 CIRA Magazine, pages 3-5.
- Satellite Meteorology Applications: A Demonstration Project for Regional Meteorological Training Centres July 1997 WMO Bulletin 46(3), pages 230-237.
WMO-CGMS VLab Regional Focus Group of the Americas and Caribbean
The WMO-CGMS VLab Regional Focus Group (RFG) of the Americas and the Caribbean meets virtually for monthly weather and climate briefings. We share satellite imagery and discuss global, regional, and local weather patterns, including hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, severe weather, and other interesting events. Participants are researchers, forecasters, trainers, students, and managers – primarily from Central and South America and the Caribbean. We are able to “build capacity” by communicating with others across disciplines from many different countries to discuss the impacts of forecasts and broad-reaching phenomena, such as El Niño.
- Register for the special session “The Galvez-Davison Index (GDI)” on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
- Register for the special session “El Índice Galvez-Davison (GDI)” on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
- Register for the RFG session on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 15:00 UTC
[+] Sign Up for Notifications
To receive email notifications for the monthly and special sessions, follow the instructions for either a Gmail or other email account.
- Gmail: find the Google Group “wmo_ra-iii-iv_vlab” and request to join.
- Other: send an email to <wmo.ra.iii.iv.vlab@gmail.com>. In the subject line please use “Add me to WMO RA-III/IV VLab”. In the body of the email include your name, the country you are from, your organization, and a brief description (1-2 sentences) of your interests.
[+] Getting Connected with GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is used for audio and screen sharing during the sessions. You can register for a scheduled session by using a link above and filling out the online form. Please provide your name, email, country, and organization. If you are participating as part of a larger group, please let us know through email or through the question box during the session. If you register before the session has started you will receive a confirmation email and can then use the link provided to connect to GoToWebinar at the scheduled time. Read the GoToWebinar Attendee Guide for tips on registering and joining a session.
As an attendee you do not need to download the GoToWebinar desktop app prior to a session, and will be prompted to use the browser-based version when you join. If you would like to download the desktop app instead, this Tutorial steps through the installation process.

Once you are connected and an organizer has started the GoToWebinar session you will see two windows, the presenter’s shared screen and the Control Panel. All participants enter with their microphones muted. If you would like to ask a question during the session, raise your hand by clicking the hand/arrow icon and an organizer will allow you to unmute. You will need to click the microphone icon so that it turns green. You can also type a question or comment in the Questions box at any time. If available, presentation slides and additional documents will be located in the Handouts section for download. Occasionally our sessions include Poll Questions. These will pop up in a new window on your screen during the session and you will be asked to anonymously participate by selecting an answer.
[+] Background on the RFG Sessions

The WMO-CGMS VLab Regional Focus Group of the Americas and the Caribbean (Regional Associations III and IV) has led online weather and climate briefings since March 2004. CIRA coordinates with NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center International Desks and the WMO Centers of Excellence in Barbados, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina to conduct the bilingual (English and Spanish) monthly sessions and occasional special topic sessions. Over the years the RFG community has continuously grown with participants joining in from over 65 countries, including instructors, students, researchers, forecasters, trainers, and weather enthusiasts.

José Gálvez (NOAA/NCEP/WPC International Desks) is the current lead for the sessions following the retirement of Mike Davison. We use SLIDER to view GOES and JPSS satellite imagery and products. A typical session begins with a synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, looking at current weather patterns and highlighting areas of interest. Next, there is an overview of several climate indicators: SST, ENSO, MJO, equatorial tropospheric waves, wind and precipitation trends and anomalies. A review of significant weather events occurring during the past month follows. This includes heavy rainfall, drought, fires and smoke, blowing dust, volcanic eruptions, and more. Participants contribute by asking questions and commenting on their local and regional weather.



For background information on the climate indicators and weather patterns discussed, refer to the special topic sessions recorded in February 2021:
A brief history of the RFG sessions and how the program has shaped a community of practice and learning throughout the years can be found in our 2020 publication:
- English: Enhancing long-term impacts of training through international collaboration: the case of the VLab Regional Focus Group of the Americas and Caribbean
- Español: Mejora en los impactos de largo plazo del entrenamiento por medio de la colaboración internacional: el caso del Grupo de Enfoque Regional del VLab de las Américas y el Caribe
This activity supports the WMO-CGMS Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology.

Recorded Sessions
Regional Focus Group sessions are recorded and uploaded to the WMO-CGMS Virtual Laboratory YouTube channel, along with other videos related to education and training in satellite meteorology. The RFG recordings are also linked below, organized by year in reverse chronological order. More information on WMO-CGMS Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists can be found on our webpage.
2025 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description | WMO Satellite Skill(s) |
---|---|---|
2025-05-28 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), fast-moving front in Bolivia, easterly wave moving across Guyana, Saharan dust plume crossing the Caribbean, potential for severe weather in northeast Mexico, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2025-04-30 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), rainy season in Colombia and western Venezuela, negatively tilted tropical wave, shear line in the northeast Caribbean, occluded front moving into Chile, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2025-03-26 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), fires and dust in northwest Africa, strong thunderstorms in Argentina, gap flow off the coast of Central America, convection in Brazil and the role of the diurnal cycle, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.2.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 5.1, 6.1 |
2025-02-26 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), fog in Peru related to warm sea surface temperatures with pockets of coastal upwelling, Bolivian high displaced to the southwest, active southern branch of the ITCZ in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, heavy rainfall events in Ecuador, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2025-01-29 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), discussion about an interesting perturbation propagating across the tropical Atlantic Ocean, strong atmospheric river approaching southern Chile, potential for severe weather in the Southern Plains of the United States, heavy rains and flooding in São Paulo, Brazil, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description | WMO Satellite Skill(s) |
---|---|---|
2024-12-18 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), downslope winds in the Rocky Mountains of the United States, subtropical jet stream and transverse cloud bands, thick dust plume off the west coast of Africa, ITCZ shifting far south of Panama suggesting early onset of the dry season, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-11-19 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), strong winds in the Drake Passage, cyclogenesis expected in northeast Argentina with possible echo training event, Bolivian high, gravity waves over the Andes Mountains, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-10-23 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), Hurricane Kristy and remnants of Hurricane Oscar, areas of ozone intrusion, active convection across the Atlantic ITCZ, trade wind surge, differentiating snow from clouds, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-09-18 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), fires and widespread smoke across South America, stratospheric ozone intrusion, potential for severe weather in Argentina, conditions favorable for Central American Gyre to develop, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-08-22 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), surface fronts, fires in southeast Bolivia, snow in Chile and Argentina, tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean, RGBs, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.2, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-07-18 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), sun glint, plume of Saharan dust over the Atlantic Ocean, the WPC International Desks tropical wave tracking algorithm, fog/low clouds in southern Brazil, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-06-18 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), Central American Gyre with potential for tropical cyclone development, heavy rainfall and flooding in central Chile, baroclinic leaf off the coast of Argentina, and more. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-05-22 | Overview: Presentation by Regina Ito (INPE, Brazil) on the record rainfall and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), snow in the Andes Mountains, heavy rainfall and hail in the central Caribbean, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) hurricane season outlook, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-04-17 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), Saharan dust blowing across the Atlantic Ocean, atmospheric river, transitioning from El Nino to ENSO-neutral, heavy rainfall event in southeast Brazil, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-03-20 | Overview: This month marks 20 years of the WMO-CGMS Regional Focus Group monthly sessions. We hear from present and past organizers as they reflect on the significance of these sessions and how they have evolved over the years. This is followed by a brief update on the climate indices (SST, ENSO, MJO), discussion of the potential for heavy rainfall events in the Bahamas and southeast Brazil, and more! Presentation PDF | Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1.1, 6.1 |
2024-02-21 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), discussion on what defines an atmospheric river, rare Tropical Storm Akará in the South Atlantic off the coast of Brazil, Panama Low-Level Jet, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2024-01-17 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), Arctic air mass brings cold temperatures to the United States, prominent Bolivian high, severe weather in southern Brazil, blowing dust in Mexico and Texas (United States), RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description | WMO Satellite Skill(s) |
---|---|---|
2023-12-19 | Overview: synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), sun glint over rivers in Brazil, ITCZ, amplified upper level pattern in the Northern Hemisphere and associated surface fronts, Foehn wind effect and cloud-free region along the coast of Guatemala, identifying convection using the Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1, 6.6, 6.8 |
2023-11-21 | Overview: synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), remnants of a tropical disturbance over the Caribbean, extreme temperatures in Brazil, moist plume moving into Argentina, determining smoke vs. dust in satellite imagery, TUTT over Bolivia, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1+2+3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-10-18 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), Tropical Storm Norma (Pacific Ocean), Tropical Disturbance AL94 (Atlantic Ocean), fast-moving extratropical cyclone off the coast of Argentina, extreme drought in the Amazon, dust detection in satellite imagery, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1+3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-09-20 | Overview: Congratulations to the National Weather Association (NWA) Special Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Sheldon Kusselson and Michel Davison. Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), vortices off the coast of Chile, stratospheric ozone intrusion, and snow in Patagonia. Our thoughts are with the communities affected by the recent severe weather event and extreme rainfall across northern Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-08-24 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), fire season in central South America, Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT) in the southeast Gulf of Mexico, heavy rainfall in Costa Rica, dust and snow detection in satellite imagery, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.2.3, 1.3.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.1+2+3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-07-19 | Overview: Identification of features and patterns using imagery and composites – snow and cloud types in Patagonia, the ITCZ and what looks like a branch of the ITCZ to the north of it in the Caribbean, localized flooding in southeast Colombia, an extratropical cyclone affecting Southern Brazil, climate indicators update (SSTs and anomalies, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, TPW & ALPW), dust in the Atlantic, smoke over Florida, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3.1, 2.6, 3.1.1+6+7, 3.3.1, 4.1.1+2, 5.1.5, 6.1 |
2023-06-21 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), subtropical moisture plume approaching Chile, RGBs highlight snow in Patagonia, Tropical Storm Bret and tropical waves, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) gives a weather briefing, extensive smoke plumes from the wildfires in Canada, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-05-10 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), atmospheric river, significant snowfall in southern Peru, ash from a volcanic eruption in Mexico, hotspots, GOES-16 imagery, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-04-12 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), cyclone in the North Atlantic, ITCZ location, heavy rainfall in the Bahamas, volcanic eruption on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, blowing dust off of Mongolia, RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-03-08 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), mesoscale convective system in Bolivia, drought in Argentina, strong winds crossing the Andes Mountains, and discussion of the heavy rainfall and flooding in northern Peru and Ecuador. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-02-08 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), and we have two guest speakers join us. Camilo Barahona discusses the heat wave and widespread fires in Chile. Kelita Quispe discusses the heavy rainfall that led to flooding and landslides in Peru. Our hearts go out to those affected. Presentation PDF | 1.1, 1.2.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2023-01-25 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), moist plume entering southern Chile, mesoscale convective system in Argentina, strong winds over the ABC islands, GOES-16 imagery, and more! Presentation PDF | 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.3, 5.1, 6.1 |
2022 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2022-12-07 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), upper level trough with stratospheric intrusion, thunderstorms in Brazil, Mauna Loa volcanic eruption in the USA, RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-11-16 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), extratropical cyclone off the coast of Chile, mesoscale convective system in Peru, heavy rainfall and flooding in the southeast Caribbean, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-10-26 | Overview: The session looked at three areas of heavy precipitation for the current day 1) severe convection in southeast South America; 2) a moisture plume impacting southern Chile; and 3) a moisture plume in the eastern Caribbean that affected Trinidad and Tobago yesterday and will affect Puerto Rico today. In association with the front in South America, we discovered and distinguished between smoke from fires and a blowing dust plume. As usual, we also looked at climatic indices – La Niña continues.Presentation PDF |
2022-09-14 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), nearing the equinox and seeing sun glint along the equator, snow in the Andes, La Niña sea surface temperature conditions expected to continue through November, formation of the Atlantic Tropical Depression 7, and more!Presentation PDF |
2022-08-17 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), gravity waves and dust plumes in Argentina, fires in the Amazon basin, volcanic eruption in Ecuador, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-07-20 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), atmospheric river headed into southern Chile, snow in the Andes Mountains, heat wave, RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-06-08 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), dust in the Atlantic Ocean, snow in the Andes Mountains, heavy rainfall in the Bahamas, Tropical Storm Alex and Hurricane Agatha, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-05-11 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), hail in the Dominican Republic, a few predictions for the 2022 hurricane season, WPC International Desks forecasting algorithms, severe thunderstorms in Australia, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-04-20 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW), potential for an active hurricane season in the Caribbean, GOES-16 imagery, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-03-09 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), extratropical cyclone, update on the heavy rain event in Brazil, blowing dust in Argentina, volcanic eruption in Guatemala, RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF |
2022-02-17 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), heavy rainfall and devastating floods in Petropolis, Brazil, fires and smoke, RGBs, and more. Presentation PDF |
2022-01-19 | Overview: Discussion of the Tonga volcano eruption, including shockwaves, cloud top temperature/height, ash, SO2, and lightning. Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, extreme rainfall and drought in South America, RGBs, and more! Presentation PDF |
2021 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2021-12-15 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), strong subtropical high, SACZ over Brazil, polar system moving across the southwestern U.S., GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2021-11-24 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), blocking pattern / persistent ridge over the Caribbean, vortex, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2021-10-20 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), heavy rainfall in Panama and Colombia, La Palma volcanic activity, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more! |
2021-09-22 | Overview: Synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), Tropical Storms Peter and Rose, fires in the Amazon, severe weather event in Uruguay, volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands, RGBs, and more! |
2021-08-18 | Overview: Brief synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, ALPW), Tropical Storms Grace and Henri, heavy rainfall in Trinidad, cold front in Brazil, underwater volcanic eruption, RGBs, and more! |
2021-07-21 | Overview: Brief synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, LPW), cold surge in Brazil, Saharan dust in the Caribbean Basin, fires and smoke in the U.S. and Canada, RGBs, and more! |
2021-06-23 | Overview: Presentation by Kathy-Ann Caesar on the June 17th severe weather over Barbados, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), Tropical Storm Dolores, brief synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, and more! Severe Weather Presentation PDF |
2021-05-26 | Overview: Brief synoptic analysis of the Americas and the Caribbean, climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, LPW), elevated thunderstorms in Peru, tropical waves, discussion on island wake clouds and sun glint, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2021-04-28 | Overview: Synoptic patterns and climate analysis and forecasts for the Americas and the Caribbean. GOES satellite data, RGBs and polar orbiting products for the eruption of Volcano La Soufriere on Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. |
2021-03-24 | Overview: Broad synoptic overview of the Americas and the Caribbean followed by a Climate indicators update (SST,ENSO,MJO, precipitation, winds, LPW), as well as heavy rains in Brazil, examples of blowing dust in Mexico and the southern US, detection of ash from Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala, and more! |
2021-02-24 | Overview: Broad synoptic overview of the Americas and the Caribbean followed by a Climate indicators update (SST,ENSO,MJO, precipitation, winds, LPW), as well as examples of Saharan dust moving into the Caribbean and an inversion over Venezuela using different images from the SLIDER, and more! |
2021-01-27 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, LPW) discussion on trough or SACZ, potential for severe weather in Chile, heavy precipitation in Ecuador, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more! |
2021 Recorded Special Topics
Title | Date | Description |
---|---|---|
Dinámica de las Corrientes en Chorro del Hemisferio Sur | 2021-03-10 | [Español] Las corrientes en chorro (jets) y su impacto en los procesos dinámicos son un elemento crítico que el analista y pronosticador meteorológico tienen que siempre considerar durante la evaluación de la atmosfera. En esta sesión especial exploraremos modelos conceptuales y las características de los jets en niveles superiores del hemisferio sur; concentrándonos en los dos ramales del jet polar, el subtropical, el jet de la noche polar y el subecuatorial. PDF de presentación |
Interpretación de Aspectos e Indices Climáticos discutidos durante las sesiones mensuales del Enfoque Regional de las RA III/IV de la OMM | 2021-02-11 | [Español] Nuestro grupo de Enfoque Regional de las RA-III/IV de la OMM conduce sesiones virtuales mensuales, en las que se discute el estado actual del tiempo y clima usando productos satelitales y algunos aspectos e índices climáticos clave. Durante estas sesiones, el análisis de los índices climáticos es conciso, para destinar tiempo para abordar otros aspectos interesantes y para discusiones grupales. Esta sesión tiene como objetivo concentrarse en en la interpretación y aplicación de los diferentes aspectos e índices climáticos discutidos durante las sesiones mensuales. Nos concentraremos en el rol de las temperaturas de la superficie del mar y sus anomalías, El Niño-Oscilación del sur (ENSO), la oscilación de Madden-Julian (MJO) y otras perturbaciones tropicales ecuatoriales; y en patrones de circulación sobre las Américas. PDF de presentación |
Interpretation of the Climate Aspects and Indices Discussed during the WMO RA-III/IV Regional Focus Monthly Sessions | 2021-02-10 | [English] Our WMO RA-III/IV Regional Focus group conducts monthly virtual sessions in which the current state of the weather and climate are discussed using satellite imagery and a few key climate aspects and indices. During these sessions, the analysis of the climate indices is concise, to allocate time for addressing other interesting aspects and for group discussions. This session aims to have a closer look into the interpretation and application of the climate aspects and indices discussed during the monthly sessions. We will focus on the role of sea surface temperatures and anomalies, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and other equatorial tropospheric waves, and atmospheric circulation patterns over the Americas. Presentation PDF |
Frentes y Líneas de Cortante / Cizalla en el Caribe (Parte 2) | 2021-02-04 | [Español] Durante el invierno del hemisferio norte ocurre la estación frecuentemente referida como la estación seca en la Cuenca del Caribe. Durante ésta, el enfoque de los pronosticadores meteorológicos cambia de ondas tropicales y ciclones al impacto de frentes y líneas de cortante/cizalladura. En estas sesiones especiales explorarmos modelos conceptuales sobre las características de frentes de superficie, líneas de cortante y técnicas de análisis de información de satélite y de modelos numéricos para la predicción del tiempo. PDF de presentación |
Frentes y Líneas de Cortante / Cizalla en el Caribe (Parte 1) | 2021-02-03 | [Español] Durante el invierno del hemisferio norte ocurre la estación frecuentemente referida como la estación seca en la Cuenca del Caribe. Durante ésta, el enfoque de los pronosticadores meteorológicos cambia de ondas tropicales y ciclones al impacto de frentes y líneas de cortante/cizalladura. En estas sesiones especiales explorarmos modelos conceptuales sobre las características de frentes de superficie, líneas de cortante y técnicas de análisis de información de satélite y de modelos numéricos para la predicción del tiempo. PDF de presentación |
2020 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2020-12-16 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds) cyclone off the coast of Chile, severe weather in Paraguay, fronts in the Gulf of Mexico, total solar eclipse, GOES-17 imagery, and more! |
2020-11-25 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds, TPW) severe weather in Argentina, front north of Hispaniola, discussion on the active Atlantic hurricane season, new maps in SLIDER, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2020-10-27 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds) Tropical Storm Zeta, fires and snow in the United States, heavy rain in Brazil, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2020-09-16 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), fires and smoke in the western United States, Atlantic tropical cyclone activity, snow in southern Brazil, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2020-08-19 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), fires in Colorado, tropical systems, cold surge in South America, fog event in Argentina, near record temperature in Death Valley, and more! |
2020-07-29 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), ITCZ, impact of dust on tropical cyclone development, heavy snow in Patagonia, GLM lightning, and more! |
2020-06-17 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, winds), ITCZ and tropical waves, heavy rainfall associated with the Central American Gyre and Tropical Storm Amanda/Cristobal, snow in Patagonia, and more! |
2020-05-20 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, LPW), smoke in southern Mexico, 2020 Atlantic hurricane season prediction, monitoring the Saharan Air Layer with GOES-16 satellite imagery, RGBs, and more! Dust Presentation PDF |
2020-04-22 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, LPW), extratropical cyclone off the coast of Chile, fires and smoke in Central America, GOES-16 imagery, and many questions! |
2020-03-11 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, TPW), drought in southern Brazil, Saharan dust outbreak reaches Barbados, South Atlantic Convergence Zone, RGBs, and more! |
2020-02-12 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, wind, precipitation), snow in Mexico, heavy rainfall in southeast Brazil, dryline in Patagonia, the Bolivian high, WPC International Desk forecast tools, RGBs, and more! |
2020-01-22 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, LPW), frontal system moving through the Caribbean, smoke plume from the Australia fires, eruption of the Popocatepetl Volcano and Taal Volcano, RGBs, and more! |
2020 Recorded Special Topics
Title | Date | Description |
---|---|---|
Fronts and Shear Lines (Part 2) | 2020-12-11 | [English] During the northern hemisphere winter over the Caribbean basin, often referred to as the dry season, the focus of the meteorological forecaster shifts from the tropical waves/cyclones and their impact to frontal systems and shear lines. In this special session, we will explore conceptual models, the characteristic of surface fronts and shear lines, numerical weather model applications and satellite meteorology techniques you can apply for their analysis and forecast. Presentation PDF |
Fronts and Shear Lines (Part 1) | 2020-12-10 | [English] During the northern hemisphere winter over the Caribbean basin, often referred to as the dry season, the focus of the meteorological forecaster shifts from the tropical waves/cyclones and their impact to frontal systems and shear lines. In this special session, we will explore conceptual models, the characteristic of surface fronts and shear lines, numerical weather model applications and satellite meteorology techniques you can apply for their analysis and forecast. Presentation PDF |
Análisis y Pronostico de Fronteras Meso-Sinópticas en Sudamérica (Parte 3) | 2020-09-10 | [Español] Es importante para el analista y los pronosticadores el poder distinguir entre los diferentes sistemas de bajo nivel que pueden afectar las condiciones del tiempo en América del Sur. En la sesión especial del 13 agosto, exploramos modelos conceptuales y las características de losfrentes, vaguadas, y líneas de cortante (shear lines). En esta sesión adicional, finalizaremos lostemas de líneas de inestabilidad y la Zona de Convergencia del Atlántico Sur (SACZ). PDF de presentación |
The Forecast Funnel: Streamlining the Thought Process and Objective Weather Forecasting Techniques | 2020-08-27 | [English] Newly certified meteorologists often lack the experience of more seasoned weather forecasters, and a methodology on how to analyze the atmosphere and forecast the weather is required. In this special training session, using the true and tried methodology of the Forecast Funnel, meteorological forecasters will learn the basics for analyzing the tridimensional structure of atmospheric features and learn objective weather forecasting techniques. This will help develop a work related methodology that would result in higher confidence and more consistent weather forecasts, while emphasizing objective vs. subjective analysis techniques. Presentation PDF Tropical Wave PDF |
Análisis y Pronostico de Fronteras Meso-Sinópticas en Sudamérica Parte 1 Parte 2 | 2020-08-13 | [Español] Es importante para el analista y los pronosticadores el poder distinguir entre losdiferentes sistemas de bajo nivel que pueden afectar las condiciones del tiempo en América del Sur. En esta sesión especial exploraremos modelos conceptuales y las características de los frentes, vaguadas, líneas de cortante (shear lines), líneas deinestabilidad y la Zona de Convergencia de América del Sur (SACZ). PDF de presentación |
¿Ondas Tropicales o Vaguadas inducidas por una TUTT? (Parte 2: ejercicios prácticos) | 2020-07-09 | [Español] A medida que pasamos a la temporada de lluvia en la cuenca del Caribe y en el nortede Sudamérica, los meteorólogos le prestaran mucha atención al impacto quepuedan tener en las condiciones del tiempo las ondas del este/tropicales y lasvaguadas en la atmósfera superior, “Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT).” En esta sesión especial exploraremos modelos conceptuales de ambas, la aplicaciónde los modelos numéricos y técnicas de meteorología satelital para diferenciar entrelos diferentes sistemas. PDF de presentación |
¿Ondas Tropicales o Vaguadas inducidas por una TUTT? (Parte 1: conceptos) | 2020-07-08 | [Español] A medida que pasamos a la temporada de lluvia en la cuenca del Caribe y en el nortede Sudamérica, los meteorólogos le prestaran mucha atención al impacto quepuedan tener en las condiciones del tiempo las ondas del este/tropicales y lasvaguadas en la atmósfera superior, “Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT).” En esta sesión especial exploraremos modelos conceptuales de ambas, la aplicaciónde los modelos numéricos y técnicas de meteorología satelital para diferenciar entrelos diferentes sistemas. PDF de presentación |
Atlantic/Caribbean Basin Tropical Waves and TUTT Induced Inverted Troughs (Part 2: Practical Exercises) | 2020-06-25 | [English] As we transition to the rainy season across the Caribbean Basin and northern South America, meteorologists will pay particular attention to the impact easterly/tropical waves and Tropical Upper Tropospheric Troughs (TUTT) might have on local weather conditions. In this special session we will explore conceptual models, numerical weather applications and satellite meteorology techniques to differentiate between the two different atmospheric features. Presentation PDF |
Atlantic/Caribbean Basin Tropical Waves and TUTT Induced Inverted Troughs (Part 1: Concepts) | 2020-06-24 | [English] As we transition to the rainy season across the Caribbean Basin and northern South America, meteorologists will pay particular attention to the impact easterly/tropical waves and Tropical Upper Tropospheric Troughs (TUTT) might have on local weather conditions. In this special session we will explore conceptual models, numerical weather applications and satellite meteorology techniques to differentiate between the two different atmospheric features. Presentation PDF |
Nuevo grupo de herramientas de pronóstico desarrolladas por los Escritorios Internacionales de la NOAA | 2020-05-06 | [Español] Como parte de lamisión de mejorar las prácticas de pronóstico del tiempo en las Américas, los Escritorios Internacionales del WPC han desarrollado cinco herramientas diagnósticas adicionales usando el software Wingridds. Luego de evaluación rutinaria informal, la consideración de estas herramientas ha producido una mejora notable en la calidad de los pronósticos de los Escritorios, así como en los pronósticos de algunos de nuestros socios nacionales e internacionales. Estos algoritmos incluyen: (1) TWIN: Intensidad y elevación de la inversión termal de los alisios; (2) GR02T: Riesgo de convección severa y específicamente de granizo; (3) FRONT: Detección de frentes en superficie; (4) EGDI: Potencial de lluvias intensas y tipos de convección; (5) CAPI: Potencialde acumulaciones de precipitación en los Andes Centrales. Dadas las limitaciones de tiempo para tanta cantidad de material, cadapresentación será introductoria. Se cubrirán los conceptos básicos detrás de cada algoritmo, interpretación de los productos, métodos para considerar los productos para mejorar los pronósticos y acceso a productos a tiempo real programados usando salidas del modelo GFS. PDF de presentación |
New set of forecasting tools developed by the WPC International Desks | 2020-04-29 | [English] As part of our mission of enhancing weather forecasting practices in the Americas, the WPC International Desks have developed five additional diagnostic tools using Wingridds software. After informal routine evaluation, consideration of these tools has produced noticeable positive impacts on the quality of the forecasts produced by the International Desks, and by those of our national and international partners. These diagnostic tools include: (1) TWIN: strength and elevation of the trade wind temperature inversion; (2) GR02T: risk for severe convection and specifically hail; (3) FRONT: detection of surface fronts; (4) EGDI: potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms; (5) CAPI: rainfall accumulation potential for the Central Andes. Given the time constraints for so much material, each presentation will be introductory and cover the basics behind each algorithm, output interpretation, methods to consider their output during forecasting and nowcasting practices, and access to operational loops using GFS model output. Presentation PDF |
2019 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2019-12-10 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, TPW), strong winds in the Drake Passage, ITCZ over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB, and more. It was noted during the session that the Chilean C-130 Hercules plane went missing within the Drake Passage on the previous day. Our thoughts are with the families. |
2019-11-19 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation, TPW), meteorological bomb, operational applications of GDI, fires in Australia, Air Mass RGB, Day/Night Band, and more! |
2019-10-24 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, wind, precipitation), convection and lightning in the Caribbean, potential for hail, low-level circulation off the coast of Chile, GOES-16 RGBs, and more! |
2019-09-18 | Part 2: Presentation by Cap. Mauricio Laurizi with a current synoptic description of the Argentine Antarctic region, fires in the Amazon, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2019-09-18 | Part 1: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, wind, precipitation), tropical cyclone activity, new tool for hail forecasting, devastation in the Bahamas from Hurricane Dorian. |
2019-07-18 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, precipitation), rare snow event in Peru, cold front in Brazil, RGBs highlighting snow in the Andes Mountains, Himawari-8 and GOES-17 perspectives of an SO2 plume, and more! |
2019-06-27 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, ENSO, MJO, wind, precipitation, TPW), briefing on the Caribbean including tropical waves, convection, strong winds, and dust; eruption of the Raikoke Volcano as seen by Himawari-8 and GOES-17, RGBs, and more! |
2019-05-07 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, precipitation, TPW, ENSO, MJO), dry spell in Colombia and Venezuela, rainfall event in Chile, strong winds in Brazil, GLM lightning, RGBs, and more! |
2019-04-23 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, precipitation, ENSO, MJO), heavy rainfall in Brazil, hail and funnel clouds in the Bahamas, LPW over South America, new WPC International Desks online product, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2019-03-27 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, TPW, rainfall, ENSO, MJO), ITCZ, strong winds across Panama and SST cooling, eruption of the Bezymianny Volcano seen in the Ash RGB and SO2 RGB, fire hotspots, and more! |
2019-03-01 | Special session with Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, Director of the U.S. National Weather Service and U.S. Permanent Representative with the WMO: celebrating 30 years of service for the International Training Desk program. |
2019-02-13 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST, TPW, ENSO, MJO); Altiplano/Atacama Desert rain, comparison of GOES-16 and GOES-17 imagery, dust and smoke off the coast of Africa, fire hotspots, and more! |
2019-01-16 | Due to the partial shutdown of the U.S. Government, the format of this session is different. We discuss ways to access digital data, including an overview of GEONETCast-Americas by Diego Souza (INPE, Brazil) Presentation PDF and a presentation on Internet Data Distribution by Marcial Garbanzo (University of Costa Rica) Presentation PDF |
2018 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2018-12-12 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO, SST, TPW, winds); cold fronts, developing El Nino, heavy rains in Ecuador, eruption of the Fuego Volcano, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-11-15 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO, SST, precipitation, winds and anomalies); cold fronts in Argentina, mountain waves, RELAMPAGO field campaign, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-10-24 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); low-level jet in Argentina, heavy rain event in Trinidad and Tobago, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-09-26 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); Tropical Storm Kirk and Hurricane Florence, discussion of a downslope wind event, fires in Argentina, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-08-30 | Sorry there is no audio for this session due to operator error. Topics covered include an update on climate indicators, tropical waves, GOES-16 imagery, and SSMI wind speed. To see the associated imagery, browse through the video. |
2018-07-25 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation); severe/snow event in South America, What is the feature in the Dust RGB?, eruption of the Sierra Negra Volcano, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-06-26 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); Saharan Air Layer, severe weather across South America, eruption of the Fuego Volcano, GOES-16 imagery, and more! |
2018-05-23 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); lightning data from GOES-16 GLM; the start of hurricane season; analyzing a volcanic eruption in Vanuatu with GOES-16 imagery and RGBs, and more! |
2018-04-25 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); GOES-16 imagery, RGBs (Airmass, Dust, Day Cloud Phase Distinction), Day-Night Band on SNPP, and more! |
2018-03-28 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); waning La Niña pattern, dual ITCZ; upper level WV patterns; dust and/or something else hazy off the West coast of Africa, and more! |
2018-02-21 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); upper level WV patterns, changing SST pattern in the Eastern Pacific (neutral ENSO developing?); analyzing the potential for lightning with GOES-16 imagery and model output; a quick look at the Sinbung Volcano eruption in Indonesia with Himawari-8 and JPSS, and more! |
2018-01-24 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); upper level WV patterns, anomalous SST off the coast of Ecuador, Storms in Argentina, GOES-16 imagery and Day-Night Band on SNPP, and more! |
2017 Recorded RFG Monthly Sessions
Date | Description |
---|---|
2017-12-07 | Overview: Heavy rain predicted for the Western Caribbean and snow for Northern Mexico; an update on climate indicators for an El Niño pattern (TPW, SST, MJO and anomalies, precipitation); upper level WV patterns, review of Dust RGB in Argentina, what are these straight lines, GOES-16 on the move, and more! |
2017-11-16 | Overview: Climate indicators for an El Niño pattern (TPW, SST, MJO and anomalies, precipitation); upper level WV patterns, GOES-16 imagery, Dust RGB, rain streaks in IR in Argentina, and more! |
2017-10-25 | Overview: Climate indicators update (MJO and anomalies, SST, precipitation, TPW); upper level WV patterns, negatively tilted trough, GOES-16 imagery, cloud height product, Airmass RGB, and more! |
2017-09-20 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST and anomalies, MJO); Hurricane Maria rapid intensification yesterday, landfall on Puerto Rico and forecasted path; eastern Caribbean update from Simon, GOES-16 imagery and more! |
2017-08-17 | Overview: Climate indicators update (SST and anomalies, MJO), other useful indices (TPW and GDI), GOES-16 imagery and the more of the new SLIDER viewer (Caribbean briefing; Is this dust, smoke, or sunglint?; volcanic ash) and more! |
2017-07-12 | Overview: GOES-16 imagery and the more of the new SLIDER viewer, SST, MJO, TPW, GDI, and many questions! |
2017-06-22 | Overview: GOES-16 imagery and the new SLIDER viewer, SST, MJO, TPW, GDI, and many questions! |
2017-05-25 | Overview: SST and anomalies, MJO velocity potential anomalies, large scale water vapor patterns, regional and local views with visible and infrared imagery. Highlights: Airmass RGB example with Himawari imagery AND Visible and near infrared GOES-16 imagery |
2017-04-20 | Highlights: First Part – SST and anomalies, MJO velocity potential anomalies, large scale water vapor patterns, Second Part – Visible and near infrared GOES-16 imagery viewing of surface and cloud features through the RAMMB slider, and a peak at the night Day/Night band on VIIRS with moonglint off the Coast of Chile. |
Virtual Training Resources
The Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration training (VISIT) is a joint effort involving NOAA-NESDIS Cooperative Institutes, the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS), and the National Weather Service (NWS). The primary mission of VISIT is to accelerate the transfer of research results based on atmospheric remote sensing data into NWS operations using distance education techniques.
The Satellite Hydrology and Meteorology (SHyMet) courses have and continue to be developed to pull together existing, new, and updated satellite training materials into structured courses. The courses cover basic principles of satellite imaging and sounding, channels and products, identification of atmospheric and surface phenomena, and the integration of meteorological analysis with satellite observations and products into the weather forecasting and warning process. They also include advanced topics on identification of atmospheric and surface phenomena with associated case examples.
GEONETCast semana del evento 3, 4, 5 diciembre 2013
CIRA, NOAA, WMO, y los Centros de Excelencia de OMM en Costa Rica, Barbados, Brasil, y Argentina hubieron un entrenamiento virtual en GEONETCast de 3 sesiones en diciembre 3, 4, y 5, 2013. Los sesiones hubieron presentado en los dos Español y Ingles.
View the English web page here
Objetivos:
Concientizar a los países/personas de lo que está disponible.
Expandir el uso de GEONETCast-Américas
Comenzar a pensar sobre el GOES-R
Sesión del martes A) Introducción, operaciones y capacidades de GEONETCast (GNC). GRABACION de la sesión entero
1) Interés del Programa del Espacio de la OMM
(Vilma Castro, Costa Rica presentó por Stephan Bojinski, WMO) presentación (PPT)
Programa del Espacio GRABACION individual
2) Revisar la documentación de requisitos regionales y la necesidad de una mejor integración de los sistemas de diseminación regionales
(Daniel Vila presentó por Luiz Machado, CPTEC/INPE, Brazil) presentación
Revisar GRABACION individual
3) GEONETCast: Cobertura, productos, costo, breve historia
(Paul Seymour, NOAA) presentación
GEONETCast: GRABACION individual
Preguntas y comentarios adicional GRABACION individual
Sesión del miércoles B) Productos de mitigación de desastres y la importancia de GNC como un sistema de acceso de datos globales para la reducción de riesgos. GRABACION de la sesión entero
1) Mitigación de desastres: desde la perspectiva de la comunidad de investigación y el ambiente
(Humberto Barbosa, ICAT/UFAL, Brazil) presentación
Mitigación de desastres GRABACION individual
2) Productos para los prognósticos y de mitigación de desastres, aporte de INPE/CPTEC
(Daniel Vila, INPE/CPTEC, Brazil) presentación
Productos GRABACION individual
3) Ejemplos breves y o aporte de usuarios actuales, nuevos o potenciales.
(Werner Stolz, Costa Rica; Luis Garcia Guirola, El Salvador presentación
Ejemplos GRABACION individual )
Preguntas y comentarios adicional GRABACION individual
1) Sigma para visualización (Diego Souza, CPTEC/INPE, Brazil) presentación
Sigma GRABACION individual
2) McIDAS-V para visualización (Rosario Alfaro, JOSS/UCAR, presentó por Tom Whittaker, CIMSS, USA) presentación
McIDAS-V GRABACION individual
3) Ejemplos de McIDAS-V (Juan José Figueroa, El Salvador) presentación
Ejemplos de McIDAS-V GRABACION individual
4) Introducción al GOES-R (Rosario Alfaro, JOSS/UCAR, presentó por Bernie Connell, CIRA, USA)
presentación Introducción al GOES-R GRABACION individual
Preguntas y comentarios adicional GRABACION individual
Gracias para su participación!
GEONETCast Event Week 3, 4, 5 December 2013
CIRA, NOAA, WMO, and the WMO Centers of Excellence in Costa Rica, Barbados, Brazil, and Argentina hosted a virtual training on GEONETCast consisting of 3 sessions on December 3, 4, and 5, 2013. The sessions were presented in both English and Spanish.
Ver pagina en español aquí
Goals:
To make countries/people more aware of what is available.
To expand the use of GEONETCast-Americas.
To start thinking about GOES-R
Tuesday session A) Introduction, operations, and capabilities of GEONETCast (GNC). View the entire session RECORDING
- 1) WMO Space Programme Interest
(Stephan Bojinski, WMO) - Reviewing regional requirements documentation and the need for better integration of regional dissemination systems
(Daniel Vila for Luiz Machado, CPTEC/INPE, Brazil) - GEONETCast: Coverage, products, cost, brief history
(Paul Seymour, NOAA) - Additional Questions and Comments
Wednesday session B) Disaster mitigation products and the importance of GNC as a risk-reducing global data access system entire session RECORDING
- Disaster mitigation: from the perspective of the research and environmental community
(Humberto Barbosa, LAPIS, ICAT/UFAL, Brazil) - Products for forecasting as well as disaster mitigation products from INPE/CPTEC
(Daniel Vila, INPE/CPTEC, Brazil) - Brief examples from current, new, or potential users.
(Kathy-Ann Caesar, CIMH, Barbados - and Ronald Gordon, NMS, Belize
- Additional Questions and Comments RECORDING
Thursday session C) Potential solutions we are looking into. Software and products entire session RECORDING
- Sigma for visualization
(Diego Souza, CPTEC/INPE, Brazil) - McIDAS-V for visualization
(Tom Whittaker, CIMSS, USA) - Introduction to GOES-R
(Bernie Connell, CIRA, USA) - Additional Questions and Comments RECORDING
Thanks for your participation in the event!
Collaborators
The Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) in 2003. The activities here are sponsored by NOAA, the US satellite operator.
The Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence (RMTCoE) are specialized satellite applications training centers designated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). CIRA has interacted with the RMTCoE in Costa Rica and Barbados since 1996 and with the newer RMTCoE in Brazil and Argentina since 2006.
- The VLab CoE in Costa Rica is associated with the School of Physics at the University of Costa Rica.
- The VLab CoE in Barbados is associated with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.
- The VLab CoE in Brazil is a joint venture between the Weather Service (INMET) and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE)/Center for Weather Forecast and Climatic Studies (CPTEC)
- The VLab CoE in Argentina is formed by the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the Department of Atmosphere and Oceans Sciences (DCAO) at the University of Buenos Aires and is sponsored by the National Space Agency of Argentina (CONAE).
Climatology
The most common type of satellite climatology is a cloud composite, which is a measure of the frequency/persistence of clouds over a particular region. Cloud composites can be derived from geostationary or polar orbiting satellites, but the work here focuses on the use of GOES imagery. Because of the great spatial coverage, diurnal composites of imagery over monthly, seasonal, and annual time scales can reveal the amplitude of diurnal cloudiness in relation to geographic features such as land/water boundaries and changes in elevation.



CIRA/WMO VLab New Satellite Information
Transmittance for various features in the VIS and Near IR and RGB examples using VIS, Near-IR and IR
View of multiple graphs comparing the channels on various satellites across the globe
Spectra loops with channel width representation
The graphs are separated into “Visible and Near Infrared” and “Infrared” because of the different means of interpreting the radiance measurements: albedo and brightness temperature. Here, transmittance is used in the “Visible and Near Infrared” because it highlights various absorption regions in the atmosphere that affect measurements. Brightness temperature is used in the Infrared because that is the most familiar to the forecaster.
Visible to Near Infrared

All graphs: This is a graph of atmospheric transmittances from a radiative transfer model showing a mid-latitude standard atmosphere with no clouds. The region extends from the ultravoilet into the near infrared and encompasses the visible portion of the spectrum. For reference: If the atmosphere were clear (no clouds and no absorbing gases and aerosols), and we were looking down from an orbiting satellite, we would be able to see the surface features. The transmittance would be represented by a straight line across the top at the value of one. But as we can see, this line is very variable from 0.3 to 2.5 micrometers. The width of the channels represents the full width at half maximum. For some applications it is important to remember that the response of the instrument is not zero outside this range, but it is less than 50%.
Last frame in loop(T99_transmission_absorption). There are gases and aerosols that absorb radiation and if we are in regions between 1.3 and 1.4 and 1.8 and 1.9 for example, water vapor absorption (and other minor constituents that absorb) prevents us from seeing surface features. We can also see other narrower regions where there is absorption by other gases.
Infrared
Be sure to check out the Infrared loop

All graphs: Orientation – On the y-axis is Brightness temperature going from warm at the bottom to cold at the top. The data that make this graph come from the imaging spectrometer AIRS instrument (Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder), on the polar orbiting satellite EOS Aqua. It measures a couple thousand (2378) narrowly spaced wavelength bands in the shortwave to longwave region (approximately 1band every 5 nm). These two examples are of opaque targets for 1) a surface which is clear ground in Nebraska during the day and represented by the open black circles, and 2) a deep convective cloud at night represented by the open purple diamonds. Each of these series of points represents the spectral information for one pixel (~13km x13km at nadir) in an AIRS scene. Example pixels from day and night are shown.
Last frame (BT99 spectra absorption). This graph shows dominant broad absorption regions. Note, there are many other absorbing constituents and regions.
Note: the loops work well on iOS devices but there is a little bug.
CIRA/WMO VLab McIDAS-V exercises to load GOES and JPSS imagery
The following exercises were developed for two workshops: the WMO/NOAA VLab Train the Trainer workshop on “Satellite Data Usage: Access through GEONETCast Americas, Display, Interpretation, and Usage in Training” occurring on 15-16 July 2017 and the AmeriGEOSS “Training on Satellite Data: Access through GEONETCast Americas, Display, Interpretation, and Usage” occurring on 31 July – 4 August 2017. These exercises focus on linking information from online training modules with on hands-on data exploring activities. If you are not familiar with the new GOES-16 satellite or VIIRS, we recommend you review the following tutorials for background:
- The first six modules of the Satellite Foundation Course for GOES-R (SatFC-G)
- Introduction to VIIRS Imaging and Applications
- Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites
WMO/NOAA VLab Train the Trainer Workshop agenda
AmeriGEOSS GEONETCast Workshop agenda
Loading a subsection of fulldisk imagery Short Version Tutorial Instructions Long Step by Step Version
Loading the fulldisk file Short Version Tutorial Instructions Long Step by Step Version

The Short Version of the tutorial uses a McIDAS-V bundle file to quickly display a single time of GOES-16 Cloud and Moisture Imagery (CMI). The Long Step by Step Version provides detailed instructions on how to load CMI images, apply color tables, change labels (helpful for translation ;). The objectives of this exercise are 1) to demonstrate that McIDAS-V can load a subsector of full disk images in the given netCDF file format, and 2) to be able to view, probe, and compare the Level 2 CMI data in two groups: 6 visible and near infrared (IR) channels and 10 infrared channels. This exercise potentially provides the user with many examples of environmental, meteorological, and hydrological features that are highlighted in the first six modules of SatFC-G. It’s your mission to explore the data and report back what you find.
The main reason this tutorial focuses on a sub-sector of the data is that it takes more time and more memory for McIDAS-V to load the full resolution, full disk imagery that will be available through the GEONETCast Americas (GNC-A) broadcast when GOES-16 becomes operational. If you do not already have McIDAS-V installed on your computer, information is included on where to obtain it. A link to the sample data and bundle files are also provided. Happy exploring!
Loading a 5 minute block of swath imagery Tutorial Instructions

In this tutorial, McIDAS-V instruction bundle files (with the extension .mcv) are used to quickly display the Suomi-NPP VIIRS data (with the extension .h5) with predefined settings. The objectives of this exercise are to demonstrate that McIDAS-V can load a swath in the given HDF5 file format, and to be able to view, probe, and compare the 16 “Moderate” resolution (“M”, 750 m) data in three groups: 5 visible bands, 6 near infrared bands, and 5 infrared bands. If you do not already have McIDAS-V installed on your computer, information is included on where to obtain it. A link to the sample data and bundle files are also provided. Some of the VIIRS channels and products will be made available through the GNC-A broadcast during the next year. Happy exploring!
- Volcanic Ash and Dust RGBs
- Loading and Displaying VIIRS Day/Night Band (DNB) Imagery
- GOES-16 Cloud Moisture Imagery (CMI): Fire Detection
- Sierra Negra Volcano, Ecuador: Ash RGB, SO2 RGB, and Air Mass RGB
- Sierra Negra Volcano, Ecuador: Infrared Channels
- Aoba (Ambae) Volcano, Vanuatu: Ash RGB, SO2 RGB, and Air Mass RGB
- Aoba (Ambae) Volcano, Vanuatu: Infrared Channels
- Aoba (Ambae) Volcano, Vanuatu: True Color RGB and Natural Color RGB
- Fuego Volcano, Guatemala: Ash RGB, SO2 RGB, Air Mass RGB, and Day Cloud Phase Distinction RGB / Night Microphysics RGB
Bernie Connell bernie.connell@colostate.edu | Erin Sanders Erin.Sanders@colostate.edu |