Probabilistic near real-time retrievals of Rain over Africa using deep learning

We introduce Rain over Africa (RoA), a public retrieval algorithm providing near real-time precipitation estimates over the African continent. The retrievals are based on Meteosat thermal infrared observations. Therefore, rain can be monitored constantly, minutes after input data dissemination. Despite this low latency, RoA accuracy is comparable to estimates requiring hours or more to obtain. Consequently, RoA is of particular interest where a rapid response is critical, such as for disaster preparedness.