GLM data; options and visualizations

We are asking forecasters to examine a variety of GLM products in their environment for a variety of uses including situational awareness, decision-support services, and storm interrogation and nowcasting.

Based on forecaster feedback from week 1, we offer these both at 1-min and 5-min (w/a 1-min update).  The 5-min product was recommended strongly by the forecasters in week 1 to help visualize trends.  I've included 60-min loops of both below to illustrate the difference.

1-min accumulations/averaging:

One-hour loop of 1-min accumulations of GLM data over eastern SD, southern MN, and northern IA ending at 2101 UTC on 8 May 2018.  Top left: event density.  Top right: Flash Extent Density. Bottom Left: Total Energy.  Bottom Right: Average Flash area.

5-min accumulations/averaging:

One-hour loop of 5-min accumulations of GLM data (w/1-min updates) over eastern SD, southern MN, and northern IA ending at 2051 UTC on 8 May 2018.  Top left: event density.  Top right: Flash Extent Density. Bottom Left: Total Energy.  Bottom Right: Average Flash area.

It does appear the 5-min accumulations are better for SAD displays and loops such as the ones shown above.

-Kristin Calhoun