NUCAPS Helpful Today

The 16Z NUCAPS soundings proved helpful today. The GOES LAP data was of limited utility, as cloud cover obscured much of the region as GFS data was used to fill in most of our CWA. The GFS data again appeared to be too low, showing CAPE values maxing out around 100 J/kg.

The NUCAPS sounding taken from around the Pueblo is shown below.

It showed surface based CAPE around 450 J/kg, which seems more reasonable than the LAP estimate, based on the convective shower activity we are seeing on radar. Also interesting to note: the sounding seemed much more accurate in the low levels that I have previously seen. I did not need to alter the surface temp or dewpoint at all. Not sure if this is because our location is at a higher elevation (~5000 ft) or if this is just a fluke.

- JP