This is the CIMSS Cloud Top Cooling image overlaid on the GOES regional scale visible satellite image displayed on AWIPS at 1902Z on June 19th, 2012. The display showed a -9.55C/15 min rate of cooling over Clay County, MN east of Fargo, N.D.
This is the same image combination of visible satellite and CIMSS Cloud Top Cooling at 1915Z with a maximum cooling rate of -26.5C/15 min. over eastern Clay County, MN.
This is the GOES-R ABI Band 13 image valid at 20Z 6/19/2012. Note the rapid development near Fargo, as well as the more expansive development to the northeast.
This is the IR image from 2001Z 6/12/2012. Comparing to the ABI Band 13 image above, note the similarity of placement of the cloud shield from the convection near Fargo as well as the cold cloud tops with convection to the northeast, though the actual IR image shows one continuous shield from the two areas, while ABI depicts two distinct areas. The ABI forecast was within one county of the actual development and had an excellent handle on the evolution of the convection in this time period.
This is the 0.5 degree composite reflectivity image from the KABR WSR-88D at 1902Z 6/19/2012. The cell continued to develop over south central Clay County, MN.The cell eventually strengthened as it lifted to the northeast with composite reflectivity of 55 to 60 dBZ over eastern Clay County at 1920z. The CIMSS Cloud Top Cooling product effectively tagged this cell 18 minutes before it reached peak intensity.
Bob McMahon NWS MIlwaukee/Sullivan WI