Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) has been a leader in satellite meteorology, consistently advancing space-based technologies to protect and enhance life on Earth. Researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), a collaboration between UW–Madison and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have dedicated over four decades to making weather forecasts more efficient and precise.

Tristan L’Ecuyer, CIMSS director and a satellite researcher, stated, “Technology is constantly advancing, improving our ability to observe our surroundings and enhancing our lives. Our work at CIMSS is a great example. The innovative research we do here plays a critical role in delivering essential satellite products that support NOAA’s mission to improve public safety and well-being and effectively manage our nation’s resources.”

AI tools pioneered by CIMSS were instrumental in providing early warnings ahead of Hurricane Helene's landfall in Florida in September 2024. These algorithms have been employed by the National Hurricane Center, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, and other global agencies to enhance the speed and accuracy of hurricane assessments from satellite data.

On June 19, 2024, when severe weather threatened parts of New Mexico and Utah, a CIMSS-developed tool known as ProbSevere offered crucial advance warnings to the National Weather Service forecasters. This system uses AI to improve severe weather predictions, granting pivotal lead times to residents and helping safeguard property during extreme weather events.

The Next Generation Fire System (NGFS) created by CIMSS quickly detected the onset of the Dinosaur Fire near Boulder, Colorado in 2024, just minutes post-outbreak. The system provides vital real-time data assisting emergency response teams in managing wildfires effectively.

CIMSS has also enhanced flood preparedness by rapidly mapping areas affected by fires, such as the South Fork Fire near Ruidoso, New Mexico. This capability allows the National Weather Service to promptly identify flood risks, offering vital assistance in post-wildfire recovery efforts.

For air travel, the CIMSS Turbulence Product uses AI to enable aviation forecasters to deliver timely data to pilots, assisting in the evasion of turbulence-prone conditions. This tool is vital for monitoring flights, especially over oceanic routes where traditional sensors are limited in availability and coverage.