Europe Meteosat Infrared Map

The animation displays the evolution of the past 24 hours across Europe, updated in real-time with a frequency of 15 minutes. It is obtained using data from METEOSAT satellites acquired in the 10.8 µm infrared channel (this value indicates the wavelength of the observed radiation, with the unit of measurement being one millionth of a meter).
The displayed images appear in black and white because only one channel is used among those through which the satellite observes our planet. However, even without color, it is possible to extract important information from each image because the infrared channel is sensitive to the temperature of the observed area.
The gray or blackish areas represent the warmest regions, while lighter shades of gray indicate lower temperatures. Therefore, the white areas, typically higher-altitude clouds, are the coldest.