Monitoring mesoscale convective cloud systems associated with heavy storms using Meteosat imagery

In this study, an automatic algorithm for monitoring areas of cold cloud tops within mesoscale convective systems that produced floods in Greece is developed. The technique is based on Meteosat infrared and water vapor images. The purpose of the algorithm is the estimation and monitoring of a variety of characteristics associated with propagating convective systems. The algorithm is capable of locating convective regions, tracking them until the point of dissipation, and taking into account the eventual splitting or merging of clouds that takes place during the lifetime of the system. The operability of the algorithm for the two most intense heavy rainfall events that occurred recently in Greece is examined and assessed.