Geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites provide continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions above the Gulf of Mexico. These platforms collect data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and sea surface temperatures. This information is processed into imagery and data products used for various applications, including forecasting hurricane development and intensity, tracking severe thunderstorms, and monitoring ocean currents.
Consistent observation of this region is critical due to its vulnerability to hurricanes and other severe weather events. Early warning systems, fueled by data from these orbiting observatories, enable timely evacuations and disaster preparedness measures, potentially saving lives and mitigating property damage. Historical data gathered over decades contribute to long-term climate studies and improve understanding of weather patterns, enabling more accurate predictive models.
