Monitoring mesoscale convective cloud systems associated with heavy stormsusing Meteosat imagery

In this study, an automatic algorithm for monitoring areas of cold cloud to ps within mesoscale convective systems that produced floods in Greece is de veloped. The technique is based on Meteosat infrared and water vapor images . The purpose of the algorithm is the estimation and monitoring of a variet y of characteristics associated with propagating convective systems. The al gorithm is capable of locating convective regions, tracking them until the point of dissipation, and taking into account the eventual splitting or mer ging of clouds that takes place during the lifetime of the system. The oper ability of the algorithm for the two most intense heavy rainfall events tha t occurred recently in Greece is examined and assessed.