Nighttime UAHCI Success

As daylight begins to wane along the East Coast, the UAHCI algorithm transitions to a nighttime cloud mask that no longer depends on visible imagery. With the lack of visible imagery, the algorithm appears much more blocky in nature due to the decrease in spatial resolution (1 km visible to 4 km infrared). However, we are able to still track cloud objects that are not stratiform in nature. In this case over Clay County in Southeast South Dakota into Dixon County in Northeast Nebraska, the UAHCI Strength of Signal reached 92 on cells behind the main line of storms. Although not severe, the cell did develop with reflectivity values over 40 dBZ. It is important to note that the UAHCI product is not meant for the predictability of severe storms, but any type convection.