How to Read Typhoon Satellite Imagery? What Do Different Colors Represent in Cloud Structures?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-08-10
The Temperature Code Behind the Colors
When we open a satellite image and see a typhoon resembling a giant swirling flower, those vibrant colors are not the actual hues of the clouds. Instead, they are "heat maps" created by meteorologists using infrared remote sensing technology to convert cloud-top temperatures into visual data. In visible light imagery, we only see shades of black, white, and gray. However, in the more commonly used enhanced infrared imagery, colors directly correspond to the height and temperature of the cloud tops.
Generally, colder colors (such as white, red, and purple) indicate higher cloud tops and lower temperatures, signifying stronger updrafts, more intense precipitation, and vigorous convective activity. Conversely, warmer-colored areas (such as black and dark blue) typically represent low clouds or cloud-free regions, where the weather is relatively calm. Therefore, understanding these color temperature variations is the first step in judging a typhoon's intensity and structural integrity.
Interpreting Colors in the Core Region
Taking widely followed typhoons like "Hongxia" or other powerful systems as examples, we can focus on interpreting several key color blocks:
- Dark Blue/Black Areas: This is usually the typhoon's "eye." If the eye is clear, round, and black, it indicates a compact structure and high intensity. While winds within the eye are weak and brief sunny spells may occur, this is merely the calm before the storm. Do not venture outside casually.
- White to Light Gray Areas: These constitute the outer spiral rainbands. Here, cloud cover is thick, accompanied by persistent rainfall and strong winds. This area has the widest impact range and the longest duration of influence.
- Red, Purple, or Bright White Areas: These represent the most dangerous "eyewall" or core regions of strong convection. In these zones, cloud tops are extremely high and temperatures are extremely low, often accompanied by gale-force winds, torrential rain, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes. If you see these deep warm tones (in specific enhanced color scales) or extremely bright whites tightly wrapping around the eye, it indicates that the typhoon is in a mature stage or undergoing rapid intensification.
It is important to note that while different satellite imagery color schemes (such as TBB color scales) may vary slightly, the fundamental logic that "cold colors represent strong high-altitude convection" remains consistent.
From Satellite Imagery to Action Guidelines
Reading satellite images is not just out of curiosity; it is crucial for scientific disaster prevention. When satellite imagery shows a typhoon with a symmetric structure, a clear eyewall, and deep colors, it often signals extreme destructive potential. At such times, the public should closely monitor warning signals issued by local meteorological authorities.
According to the national standard for tropical cyclone grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), typhoons are classified into six levels: tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, severe typhoon, and super typhoon. As the level increases, the impact of wind and rain grows exponentially. When high-level warnings are issued, please strictly adhere to local regulations regarding school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts. It is worth noting that specific criteria for suspending classes and work may vary by region; please refer to notifications issued by local governments and education departments.
As a typhoon approaches, even if satellite imagery shows your area is only in the outer periphery, you may still be affected by sudden gusts or heavy rainfall. Please clear debris from balconies in advance, stock up on essential supplies, and avoid going to seaside areas or low-lying zones.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.