Rain retrievals using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Geostationary Meteorological Satellite 5 data obtained during the SCSMEX

An accurate technique for tracking heavy rains induced by mesoscale convective systems occurring over the northern South China Sea during the Mei-Yu season is urgently needed by nearby countries. By using data observed during the period of the South China Sea monsoon experiment, a simple technique was developed for combining passive microwave and infrared rainfall observations for retrieving oceanic rain rates. The equations for estimating oceanic rain rates were developed using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Microwave Imager data and the corresponding island rain rates with the linear regression method. By using the Visible and Infrared Scanner 11 w m infrared data, a calibrated infrared rain rate estimation technique (GOES Precipitation Index) used the microwave rain retrievals as the ground truth for estimating the best infrared rain threshold. At times when the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission's observations were not available, the following infrared rain retrievals were made using the 11 w m infrared data from the Geostationary Meteorological Satellite 5. The microwave/infrared technique presented the ability to track heavy rains induced by mesoscale convective systems. Though applications in other regions and different seasons have yet to be tested, the procedures followed in this study could be utilized for universal applications, especially for those oceanic regions lacking conventional stations.