GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds (DMW’s) have been available to forecasters in AWIPS for a few months now. These winds are computed from the motion of clouds and moisture features in satellite data. Given the higher spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution of the GOES-R ABI, more winds can be computed spatially and vertically than with previous GOES satellites. These winds can be quite beneficial to forecasters. A few examples include: gauging NWP model performance, identifying localized jet streaks, and computing layer shear.
Unfortunately, the initial display of the winds in AWIPS-II leaves something to be desired (Figure 1). Loading each individual layer of winds yields three products: <30 knots, 30-50 knots, >50 knots. I believe this is unnecessary considering the wind bard itself tells you the speed. One product for all the winds in that layer would suffice. When loading all layers, the list is quite large. These barbs are color-coded by speed. I would prefer to load each layer of wind data, and have them color coded by layer. As for sampling, the pressure level of the individual wind is not included, and the direction and speed not labeled.
Figure 1: 1933 UTC 19 October 2017 GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds (barbs), IR imagery (image), and point sampling. This is the current display in AWIPS-II.
I decided to have some fun and make these changes myself (Fig 2). I load only one product per wind layer, and color code by layer. In the sampling, I include the pressure level of the individual wind, and I label the direction (degrees) and speed (knots). This display is much cleaner and more useful to the forecaster. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know!
Figure 1: 1933 UTC 19 October 2017 GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds (barbs), IR imagery (image), and point sampling. This is a proposed display in AWIPS-II.
As of 30 October, the proposed winds display has been further modified (Figure 1a).
Figure 1a: 27 October 2017 GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds proposed display v2. Full res
The GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds highlighted some of the key ingredients on 10/20/2017 that would lead to widespread severe storm development the next day across the southern plains (Fig. 3). The winds outlined an upper-level trough digging through the western US. Advancing into the scene toward northern California was a strong upper-level jet, with a couple barbs over 130 knots. This verifies the strength and timing of the 18z GFS NWP model forecast of the jet progression. Further east from Texas north through Oklahoma and Kansas, potent low-level return flow of 20-35 knots was analyzed in the wind field.
Figure 3: 20 October 2017 GOES-16 Derived Motion Winds (barbs colored by pressure level) and UL WV imagery (image). This is a proposed display for AWIPS-II. Full res
-Bill Line, NWS
“The GOES-16 data posted on this page are preliminary, non-operational data and are undergoing testing. Users bear all responsibility for inspecting the data prior to use and for the manner in which the data are utilized.”
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