Neat-looking “closed cell” stratocumulus clouds were diagnosed in GOES-16 visible satellite imagery in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California during the day on 31 October 2017. These cloud formations typically form under high pressure and calm winds. Rising warm air in the center of each cell sinks on the edges, creating the darker/less reflective areas.

Figure 1: 31 October 2017 GOES-16 5-min VIS view of closed cell stratocumulus clouds in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California. 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.”