Satellite observations of heavy rain producing storms over the Mediterranean area

Severe weather events occurring in the western Mediterranean area can be studied by using a series of satellites carrying instruments useful to observe the dynamics and the microphysical structure of precipitation systems during their evolution. At present, the principal satellites observing the south Mediterranean basin to analyze the cloud properties and estimate precipitation are: the METEOSAT satellite carrying on board the Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR); the satellites of the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) series carrying on board the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) radiometer; the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) carrying on board the Precipitation Radar (PR), the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS); and the EOS-TERRA satellite with the infrared MODerate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) In this paper, the different and synergic potential of these satellites for studying precipitating systems is analyzed by focusing on the November 2001 flood that occurred in the south-western Mediterranean area. In addition, we will discuss in some detail the potential of new-generation satellites and instruments that are about to become operational or are planned to be launched in the next future.