How to Read Typhoon Satellite Imagery? What Do Different Colors Represent in Cloud Structures?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-08-17
When a typhoon approaches, satellite imagery is often the primary window for obtaining intuitive, real-time information. When you view satellite images of "Haikui" or other typhoons, the colorful patches are not random; they represent cloud-top temperatures and cloud thickness data detected by meteorological satellites across different spectral bands. Understanding these colors helps you more accurately assess the typhoon's intensity and structure.
The Temperature Code Behind the Colors
In common infrared-enhanced satellite imagery, colors primarily represent cloud-top temperatures. Simply put, colder colors (typically appearing as white, red, or purple) indicate higher cloud tops and more vigorous convection.
- Grayish-white or light blue: Usually represents low-level or mid-to-low-level clouds with relatively higher temperatures. Precipitation intensity is generally weak or intermittent.
- Bright white: Represents higher cumulonimbus clouds, often accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- Red, dark red, or even purple/black: These are the colors requiring the most caution. They represent extremely high cloud tops with very low temperatures, indicating strong updrafts and deep convective systems. If large areas of dark red or purple appear near the typhoon's eyewall, it signifies immense energy in the core region and extreme destructive potential.
Note that visible light imagery mainly reflects cloud albedo (reflectivity). During the day, brighter white areas usually indicate thicker clouds, while at night, reliance on infrared imagery is necessary for assessment.
Identifying Key Typhoon Structures
Beyond observing color intensity, analyzing the morphological structure of the cloud system is equally important. A mature and powerful typhoon typically exhibits the following characteristics:
- Clear Eye: In the center of the imagery, if a circular or elliptical area with little or no cloud cover is visible—known as the "typhoon eye"—it is usually a sign of significant intensity. A smaller and rounder eye often indicates a tighter structure and stronger winds.
- Spiral Rainbands: The cloud bands rotating around the center are called spiral rainbands. Denser and more orderly arranged bands indicate a more complete moisture transport and dynamic structure.
- Central Dense Overcast (CDO): The large, thick cloud mass surrounding the eye. Good symmetry and a large extent of this area suggest the typhoon is in its peak intensity phase.
When you observe on real-time track maps that a typhoon's movement speed is slowing down, but the core cloud area in the satellite imagery is contracting and tightening, this is often a signal that the typhoon is about to intensify or maintain high intensity.
Scientific Defense: Follow Official Warnings
While satellite imagery provides intuitive visual references, residents should always base their disaster preparedness decisions on official warnings issued by meteorological authorities. According to the national standard for tropical cyclone grades 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.
Please take yellow, orange, or red warning signals seriously. Specific regulations regarding school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts may vary by location; please refer to notifications from local governments and education departments. Do not judge risk levels solely based on cloud imagery colors, as rainfall distribution is also influenced by terrain, outer circulation, and other factors. Even outside the typhoon center, outer spiral rainbands can bring sudden gales and torrential rain.
Staying calm, promptly clearing debris from balconies, checking window and door seals, and stocking up on essential supplies are the most practical measures for coping with typhoons.
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.