Hazardous Weather Testbed Satellite Proving Ground
© NOAA
Over three separate weeks during the virtual Spring 2026 Experiment at the Hazardous Weather Testbed Satellite Proving Ground with the National Weather Service, CISESS Scientist Joseph Patton observed and assisted weather forecasters exploring new satellite-derived products concerning lightning and enhanced decision-making support services. Among the new imagery and methods tested were improved satellite-derived probabilities for short-term lightning forecasting and an updated approach to spatially monitoring lightning safety during ongoing thunderstorms incorporating both ground- and satellite-based lightning detections. Insights from these testbed sessions will be used to improve the quality of satellite-based lightning products and create more informed and effective training for implementing these measures into operations to advance our weather forecasting capabilities.