Using GOES ABI Split-Window Radiances to Retrieve Daytime Low-Level Water Vapor for Convective Forecasting

A clear sky, daytime retrieval of low-level precipitable water vapor based on the single-layer approximation to radiative transfer equation applied three longwave window channels is described. The algorithm, which simultaneously retrieves skin temperature and air as well, has advantage using satellite radiances only—no ancillary information needed. Application method Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) radiance observations at 10.3, 11.2 12.3 µm demonstrates its utility in monitoring location warm season, pre-convective atmosphere over United States.