MLS/Aura Near-Real-Time Water Vapor Profiles, 147-1 hPa

ML2H2O_NRT is the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) Near-Real-Time product for water vapor (H2O) profiles derived from the 190 GHz region. Data are typically available within 3 hours of observation, with near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude and vertical coverage from 147 to 1 hPa. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) produces this data, with the most recent 7 days available online as of the last update in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Monitoring near-real-time atmospheric humidity for weather forecasting based on the 3-hour latency.
• Analyzing vertical water vapor distribution in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere based on the 147 to 1 hPa pressure range.
• Studying spatial patterns of water vapor along satellite orbits based on the 1.5-degree (~165 km) profile spacing.
• Assessing algorithm performance by comparing NRT and standard MLS products as mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Data latency is typically within 3 hours of observation, enabling near-real-time analysis.
• Provides near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Offers vertical profiles across a broad pressure range from 147 to 1 hPa.

Limitations

• The NRT algorithm uses a simplified model and is described as not as accurate as the standard MLS products.
• Data requires screening according to user guide recommendations for scientific usefulness.
• Row count and sample data are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument using a simplified fast forward model.

Time Range

Most recent 7 days of data are available online.

Freshness

The most recent 7 days of data are available online; last metadata update was 2026-03-12.

Geography

Near-global coverage from -82 degrees to +82 degrees latitude.