Expeditious Implementation of a Hyperspectral Imaging Infrared Sounder (HIIS) in geostationary orbit

To reduce societal impacts from severe weather, the USA should expeditiously implement a Hyperspectral Imaging Infrared Sounder (HIIS) in Geostationary (GEO) orbit. Observations from a GEO HIIS would contain unique information that is crucial for giving the populace more time to react to ensuing severe weather, a key lifesaving capability for a Weather Ready Nation. The GEO HIIS will provide frequent hyperspectral infrared radiance observations for understanding storm scale atmospheric processes and improving weather hazard predictions. These observations will provide the unique ability to detect rapid changes in atmospheric stability and the moisture flux convergence that serves both as a triggering mechanism for initial storm development and a fuel source for continued storm growth.