Effective use of Himawari-8 data in Fog / Low Cloud detection, monitoring and forecasting

Spatial Resolution

• The higher resolution of the satellite imagery will result in a less ambiguous representation of the spatial extent of the fog, especially when this is hemmed in by topography. This permits a better distinction of the fog signal from other sources such as signal noise.
  

Temporal Resolution

• Better monitoring of the formation and early development of the fog as the human eye can perceive the subtle temporal changes in the fog signal better using the more rapid 10 minute image data.

• Permits monitoring of fog that is covered by significantly higher cloud, especially cirrus.
• Better monitoring of the rate of extension of the fog and its clearance, especially in relation to specific reference points such as TAF locations. Therefore the Forecaster will be able to deliver superior short-term forecasts to aviation, public weather etc. stakeholders.
• Better monitoring of a weak (optically thin) fog signal as may be generated by thin fog. Although this fog may look "thin" from the vantage point of the satellite, it may be below VFR for aviation users due to the restricted visibility in the horizontal direction at low altitude near an airport.
  

Additional Channels

• Using the Night Microphysical and the Dust RGB products it is possible to identify low level moisture and moisture boundaries that could be favourable for fog.
  

• Additional infrared channels will give Aviation Forecasters improved measurements of cloud top height and estimates of ceilings, visibility, and cloud thickness. In particular the Night Microphysics RGB product permits some distinction between fog and higher cloud, between thin and thick fog.
  

• Developing appropriate Derived Products for fog monitoring utilising the extra channels (NOAA Fog Suite).