TRMM (TMPA): 3-Hour Rainfall Estimates

From 1997 to 2019, this dataset provides precipitation estimates derived from the TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) algorithm. It combines high-quality microwave data with infrared estimates to produce near-zero bias rainfall measurements at a 0.25-degree spatial resolution. The dataset has been discontinued and replaced by the IMERG product.

Use Cases

• Analyzing historical precipitation patterns based on 3-hour temporal granularity.
• Validating hydrological models using satellite-derived rainfall estimates.
• Studying regional climate variability in the TRMM coverage area.
• Comparing legacy TMPA data with successor IMERG datasets.

Strengths

• Provides precipitation estimates with a described (nearly-zero) bias.
• Offers dense sampling from multiple satellite sources.
• Has a fine 0.25-degree spatial resolution.
• Was maintained and updated across multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov).

Limitations

• Dataset was discontinued on December 31, 2019.
• Column names and dataset size (rows, size) are unknown across all sources.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date (2019-12-31 vs. 2026-04-09).

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center)

Collection Method

Output from the TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) Algorithm.

Time Range

1997 to 2019 (inferred from TRMM mission and discontinuation date).

Freshness

2019-12-31 23:59:59

Geography

TRMM regions (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission coverage area).