A software tool for monitoring the features of convective cloud systems with the use of Meteosat images

Automatic tracking and characterization of convective systems on Meteosat images is of great importance not only for monitoring system development but also for short-time prediction of the system behavior. In this study, a software tool has been developed for the monitoring of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) linked with heavy rain in Greece, using as input Meteosat infrared and water vapor images. The software is capable of estimating and monitoring, in real time, the characteristics of propagating convective systems with respect to cloud system potential, cloud geometric features and cloud system motion. Using this software tool, an extensive cloud system connected with heavy rainfall in Greece is examined and assessed.