Integrated use of MTG tools and radar for nowcasting storms: a case study from Istanbul Airport

The precise nowcasting and forecasting of convective storms affects airport operations, as they are important to the safe use of aircraft, scheduling and affecting ground operations. The present study integrated the analysis of convective activity over Istanbul Airport from 20-21 September 2024 using single satellite imagery, ground based radar data and recently available products from the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) for real time operability for forecast decision making.

The analysis commenced with continuous monitoring utilized through combined use of EUMETView satellite imagery and ground based weather radar observations of the same meteorological event. The RGB composites of air mass derived from the satellite data, infrared brightness temperature fields at different levels and visible reflectance channels allowed for the identification of large-scale atmospheric structure, upper-level forcing and cloud-top cooling trends. Meanwhile, the radar reflectivity provide a high level of resolution to track precipitation cores, echo tops and vertical development of the storm.

As the convective activity intensified, the FCI provided data that was able to allow clearer probability of cloud microphysical and dynamical properties, while the LI was used to monitor the persistence and detection of intra-cloud and cloud-to-ground lighting flashes. Following this, the distribution of density flash groupings and the extent of each flash was analyzed in conjunction with previous analysis in order to infer convective intensity and cell organization. To combine the multi-platform datasets, the ESSL Weather Displayer was used to simultaneously visualize satellite, radar, and model-derived fields.

This study shows that the integration of MTG data into operational meteorology provides substantial benefits for aviation operation, particularly at major hubs like Istanbul Airport where weather-related disruptions can have significant impacts.