The TPW product can be used to complement conventional meteorological analyses of low-level moisture for the purpose of identifying regions prone to heavy precipitation. Since microwave TPW is retrieved in the presence of clouds, one application combines GOES 6.7-µm water vapor imagery with microwave TPW to analyze areas with higher values of TPW. For example, surges of moisture associated with higher concentrations of TPW have been monitored up to 48 hours in advance of significant precipitation events over the West Coast of the U.S.

Combining TPW with other products that indicate the presence of mechanisms for increased precipitation efficiency has been shown to improve short-term forecasts of significant precipitation events. Once such application uses GOES water vapor imagery to provide more precise positioning of upper level troughs and jet axes. Destabilizing effects and areas of mesoscale ascent often accompany such systems. When these upper level features and associated dynamics are collocated with maxima in TPW, the potential for heavy precipitation events increases.

NESDIS is incorporating SSM/I TPW into various analyses and forecasts geared toward the short-term forecasting of precipitation potential for various operational centers. One such interaction provides analyses and forecasts for the joint NCEP/NESDIS National Precipitation Prediction Unit (NPPU). These analyses and forecasts are provided to the NCEP Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC). Heavy precipitation messages -- or satellite precipitation messages (header NFDSPENES) -- provide satellite-based assessments of precipitation potential and are disseminated to River Forecast Centers as well as Weather Forecast Offices via AWIPS.