This second POES training module has served as an introduction to the many unique capabilities offered by microwave sensing and POES microwave products. POES microwave instruments can provide global meteorological information under almost any weather conditions. Parameters such as total precipitable water, rain rate, and ocean surface wind speed may initially prove the most popular for short-term weather forecasts where conventional observations are sparse. However, many other parameters ranging from snow and sea ice to soil moisture, are available and in use by various monitoring agencies around the world. Improvements in the processing and access to microwave products has begun to stimulate an interest, and will help to increase the integrated use of POES data by greater numbers of weather forecasters throughout the U.S.. The major components of this module include: · Module overview · List of frequently asked questions about microwave data · Passive microwave remote sensing - basic concepts · Forecast products and applications · Module summary Upcoming modules will focus on visible and infrared imaging capabilities of the NOAA AVHRR instrument. Topics will include some comparison of POES imaging with similar capabilities on the GOES, as well as more in depth discussion of products and their uses in operational forecasting. Module-4 will complete the series of modules with a weather scenario or event-based overview at how visible, infrared, and particularly microwave products can be used operationally to improve analyses and short-term forecasts of significant weather events. POES products will be examined in the context of other satellite and conventional data sources in an AWIPS like environment to emphasize the benefits to be realized when integration of information occurs in real-time.