Sea Surface Temperature and Tropical Storms

This video, from Imperative Space’s EUMETSAT Monitoring the Oceans from Space MOOC, introduces the Sentinel-3 satellite’s advanced Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR), which provides highly accurate sea surface temperature (SST) data critical for both climate monitoring and operational forecasting. The SLSTR’s dual-view capability enhances atmospheric correction, allowing for precise SST measurements even in challenging conditions. SST plays a key role in understanding and predicting tropical storm intensity and tracking, particularly in regions affected by El Niño and La Niña. Sentinel-3 offers near-global, high-resolution coverage, though gaps due to cloud cover remain a challenge. The video highlights how satellite SST data, validated with in situ buoys and other satellite instruments, supports early warning systems and meteorological models. Even small SST changes—less than 0.3 K—can influence storm development, making this data essential for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in vulnerable coastal areas.