The image uses occultations between 20 and 26 August. The smaller plots show vertical temperature and humidity profiles derived from the instrument’s first measurements on 20 August over the Southern Pacific. The curves are plotted alongside ECMWF forecast data, revealing how RO measurements refine and update temperature and humidity structure predictions, particularly in data-sparse regions.
Both the MWS and RO will provide inputs of unprecedented precision for numerical weather predication. While these early signals show that progress is continuing at pace, the data are not yet operationally qualified, and the commissioning of Metop-SG-A1 is expected to require months of thorough testing and calibration before any data are released to Member State meteorological services and other users.
Phil Evans, Eumetsat Director-General, said, “Receiving these first data so quickly is a thrilling achievement for Eumetsat, particularly considering the technological sophistication of Metop-SG-A1 and its payload.
“In collaboration with ESA and our European industry partners, Eumetsat teams are working intensely to render all the satellite’s instruments operational, and the fact that data is already flowing seamlessly from the MWS and the RO shows that we are firmly on the right track to having powerful, validated products ready for our user community in the planned timeframe.”
Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, said, “These first glimpses of data are extremely encouraging, and I want to thank all the teams who have contributed –both to developing the mission as a whole and to operating and commissioning MetOp-SG-A1 in orbit.
“This is a major undertaking: six satellites in total, flying in successive pairs and delivering critical data for at least the next 20 years. While we closely monitor MetOp-SG-A1’s early performance, we are already in the final stages of preparing its companion, MetOp-SG-B1, for launch next year. “Together, the polar-orbiting MetOp-SG mission and the geostationary Meteosat Third Generation mission place Europe firmly at the forefront of global weather forecasting.”