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Rainfall

September 16, 2017
Image of the earth and rain

Global rainfall measurements using rain gauges are somewhat sparse, especially in less-developed areas and over the ocean. Radars are even rarer in these areas. To derive more comprehensive estimates of global rainfall, microwave and infrared satellite data are used. Analysis of that data is shown here as weekly, monthly and annual precipitation totals. This rainfall data is especially important for monitoring offshore precipitation events before they impact land. In general, the highest rainfall totals are found in tropical areas, where warm water and air temperatures create belts of precipitation.