Use of temperature and humidity profiles derived from satellite retrievals for the derivation of atmospheric stability indices

In this study, stability indices and parameters computed from vertical profiles of temperature and moisture generated by (a) the Microwave Integrated Retrieval System (MIRS) v9.2 derived from the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and (b) the NOAA Unique Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS)/ATMS Processing System (NUCAPS) v1.5 are compared against radiosonde observations (RAOBs) to verify the overall quality of satellite-derived stability indices, and potential applicability to the operational meteorological routine. Results of the statistical assessment show better performance of NUCAPS in relation to MIRS. Comparison results over a real weather case demonstrate that NUCAPS is a useful tool in assessing the static stability of the atmosphere, providing an additional information source for the weather forecasting.