Dvorak technique

The Dvorak technique estimates tropical cyclone intensity from satellite-observed cloud patterns. It provides wind-speed and pressure estimates when direct measurements are unavailable.

Tropical cyclone cloud patterns: Satellite-visible arrangements of clouds around a tropical cyclone, including curved bands, central dense overcast, and an eye. These patterns are the visual evidence analysts classify to estimate storm intensity.
Tropical cyclone intensity estimation: The process of estimating a tropical cyclone's strength, commonly expressed through maximum sustained winds or central pressure. The Dvorak technique is one method within this broader estimation task.
Vernon Dvorak: An American meteorologist who developed a satellite-based method for estimating tropical cyclone intensity. His analysis of cloud patterns became the foundation of the technique.
Aircraft reconnaissance: The collection of atmospheric measurements by aircraft flying into or around a weather system. Direct observations provide an independent check on intensity inferred from cloud appearance.
Dvorak T-number: A numerical rating in the Dvorak system that represents a tropical cyclone's estimated intensity from its cloud pattern. Analysts assign this rating to convert a classified pattern into an intensity estimate.
Satellite meteorology: The use of satellite observations to monitor and analyze atmospheric conditions and weather systems. The technique applies satellite meteorology to storms beyond routine aircraft coverage.
Weather satellite: An artificial satellite that observes Earth's atmosphere and surface for meteorological monitoring and forecasting. The technique became possible as regular satellite images of tropical storms became available.
Scatterometer: A radar instrument that estimates ocean-surface wind speed and direction from reflected microwave signals. It measures surface wind over the ocean rather than inferring strength from cloud patterns.
Current intensity number: A Dvorak rating that incorporates recent intensity estimates and limits how quickly the assigned value can change. It smooths short-term changes in the estimate when cloud patterns evolve rapidly.
Tropical cyclone best track: A post-storm record of a tropical cyclone's position and intensity at regular time intervals. Dvorak estimates can contribute to intensity entries where direct observations are sparse.

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Tropical cyclogenesisRelated: Its pattern analysis can help assess organization as a system develops.