A Satellite-based Automated System to Detect and Forecast Cloud Storms Focused on the Protection of the Greek Agricultural Sector

This study presents a fully automated system based on Meteosat multispectral imagery to detect and forecast cloud storms. The first accuracy assessment results are considered satisfactory, allowing this system to be able to operate in real-time basis and providing realistic and accurate forecasts for the storm activity as well as for dangerous phenomena accompany convective clouds like lightnings, hail and heavy precipitation. The presented system can operate in a more general point of view, as a driver in the adaptation of strategies and legislations that concern the crop productivity, reimbursements for crop losses, the sustainability of the environment and the improvement quality of lives through the efficient protection from storm effects and their impacts in the society.