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This study introduces a spatially aware deep learning framework that retrieves tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles from the Meteosat Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) without relying on numerical weather prediction (NWP) background fields. By utilizing a Residual U-Net trained on 14 months of data, the model achieves temperature biases below 0.4 K and standard deviations of 1.5-1.9 K, while also providing competitive relative humidity retrievals. The findings highlight the model's ability to operate effectively under various atmospheric conditions, marking a significant advancement in autonomous atmospheric monitoring capabilities.
Spatially aware deep learning can extract accurate tropospheric profiles from satellite observations without relying on traditional weather forecasts.
The Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) offers new opportunities for tropospheric temperature and humidity profiling, at higher spatio-temporal resolutions and expanded spectral coverage relative to its predecessor. Vertically resolved retrievals from broadband imagers are inherently challenging, and operational retrieval algorithms typically rely on numerical weather prediction (NWP) background fields to compensate for limited infrared spectral resolution, reducing the retrievals'independence. We develop a spatially aware deep learning framework to retrieve all-sky tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles from FCI, without forecast profiles as input. A Residual U-Net that exploits spatial context across all 16 FCI channels was trained on 14 months of collocated FCI observations and CERRA reanalysis targets over Europe. Validated against independent radiosondes, retrieved temperatures show biases below 0.4 K and standard deviations of 1.5-1.9 K. Retrieved relative humidity standard deviations range from 12-20 %, compared to 9-19 % for CERRA. Performance degrades modestly under clouds, with standard deviation increases below 0.4 K and 3 % RH beneath cloud tops despite limited direct radiative information. Ablation experiments show that spatial context improves retrievals, with the largest gains below cloud tops. Feature sensitivity analysis indicates broad consistency with FCI bands'established radiative transfer characteristics. Visible and near-infrared channels contribute despite not being commonly used in physics-based profile inversions. These results demonstrate that spatially aware deep learning models can extract statistically reliable tropospheric profiles from geostationary imager observations, independent of NWP forecast fields, enabling more rapid autonomous monitoring of the atmosphere.
