Detecting Rainfall Onset Using Sky Images

TL;DR

This paper presents a method using ground-based sky images to accurately detect rainfall onset, leveraging high-resolution cloud data for improved nowcasting with 89% accuracy validated against rain gauge measurements.

Contribution

Introduces a novel approach for rainfall onset detection using sky camera images, enhancing accuracy over traditional methods.

Findings

Achieved 89% accuracy in rainfall onset detection

Utilized sky images for improved cloud movement analysis

Validated results with rain gauge data

Abstract

Ground-based sky cameras (popularly known as Whole Sky Imagers) are increasingly used now-a-days for continuous monitoring of the atmosphere. These imagers have higher temporal and spatial resolutions compared to conventional satellite images. In this paper, we use ground-based sky cameras to detect the onset of rainfall. These images contain additional information about cloud coverage and movement and are therefore useful for accurate rainfall nowcast. We validate our results using rain gauge measurement recordings and achieve an accuracy of 89% for correct detection of rainfall onset.