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Meteorologists are praising a groundbreaking space-based detector for its ability to predict severe storms. Initial observations from the imager, located on Europe’s Meteosat Third Generation satellite, have revealed the frequent occurrence of lightning flashes over Europe and Africa. The satellite, launched in December, has a field of view that covers more than 80% of Earth, providing comprehensive coverage of lightning activity. This data will give weather forecasters additional confidence in their predictions of severe storms, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. The development of this detection technology will aid in the protection of lives and livelihoods from extreme weather events.
While Europe now has a lightning detection system, provided by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s satellites, the new imager on Meteosat surpasses its American counterpart in resolution and performance. Equipped with four cameras, each capable of capturing 1,000 images per second, the lightning imager can detect even a single lightning bolt in a mere 0.6 milliseconds. Artificial intelligence algorithms process the data onboard, reducing the amount of transmitted data significantly. Lightning is not only dangerous but is also meteorologically significant as an indicator of severe storms. By monitoring lightning activity, forecasters can track the development of severe storms and issue timely warnings to authorities and communities.
Lightning Flashing Over Europe
Satellite animation of Europe© Eumetsat
Europe’s latest weather satellite, operated by Eumetsat, has a new lighting imager that detects lightning continuously around the clock from orbit. This will improve the detection and prediction of severe storms.
The lightning imager developed by Leonardo, an Italian aerospace company, is equipped with advanced technology. Its higher resolution and performance enable it to capture lightning flashes in incredible detail. With the ability to process data onboard using artificial intelligence algorithms, the imager sends only essential information back to Earth. Lightning is a significant meteorological phenomenon, serving as an indicator of severe storms characterized by intense rainfall and high winds. By utilizing these observations, forecasters can enhance their ability to track the development of severe storms and provide timely warnings to authorities and communities.
Eumetsat, the European weather satellite agency, disseminates the data to national weather services, which then issue storm warnings to the public, businesses, and local authorities. Furthermore, the observations are particularly beneficial for weather services in central Africa, where ground-based observation facilities are limited despite high levels of lightning activity. The Meteosat Third Generation satellite, along with its lightning imager, also provides comprehensive images of clouds and weather systems. As the commissioning phase continues, the satellite’s forecasting capabilities will be further improved, contributing to the completion of the ambitious Meteosat Third Generation system in 2026.
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