Southeast Asia’s Torrential Rains Measured from Space
Satellite data was used to make this color-coded estimation of monsoon rain that has fallen over the Philippines from July 25 to Aug. 9. The heaviest rainfall — more than 35 inches (900 millimeters) — appears in dark blue, while the lightest rainfall — less than 4 inches (100 mm) — appears in light green. CREDIT: NASA
In recent weeks, the northern Philippines, including the city of Manila, have suffered under a deluge of rain brought on by the seasonal monsoon. NASA satellites measured just how much rain the area was seeing from its perch in orbit.
A color-coded image made with satellite data shows rainfall totals in the Philippines and the surrounding region from July 25 to Aug. 9. The heaviest rainfall — more than 35 inches (900 millimeters) — appears in dark blue, while the lightest rainfall — less than 4 inches (100 mm) — appears in light green. Trace amounts of rain appear in yellow. The heaviest rainfall is concentrated immediately west of the northern Philippines with some extending into Manila, NASA said in a release.
The method for estimating rainfall looks over a large area and can miss smaller pockets of heavy rain, the release noted.
