Automatic cumulonimbus and towering cumulus identification based on the Italian weather radar network data

We present an automatic cumulonimbus and towering cumulus cloud identification method, based on the Italian weather radar network data coupled with a NWP model and ground station data. In particular, we focus on its aeronautical applications as a support for the aerodrome automated weather observation systems and METAR AUTO reports. In addition to the significant convective cloud detection and discrimination, we also present a new methodology for convective cloud coverage and ceiling estimations. We present an automatic cumulonimbus and towering Cumulus cloud identification method, based on the Italian weather radar network data coupled with a NWP model and ground station data. In particular, we focus on its aeronautical applications as a support for the aerodrome automated weather observation systems and METAR AUTO reports. In addition to the significant convective cloud detection and discrimination, we also present a new methodology for convective cloud coverage and ceiling estimations.image