Evaluation of satellite-based rainfall estimates over the Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate satellite-based rainfall for its use potential use within the Philippines. In this study, two satellite-based rainfall products, CMORPH and TRMM, are compared with observation from eight ground stations in the Philippines and the gridded rainfall dataset, APHRODITE. Results show that TRMM data gives slightly better estimates than CMORPH but both, in general, do not correlate well with observations. Rainfall estimates improve during the months of August to December and during days with extreme precipitation. The performance of satellite-derived rainfall products seems to be dependent on both geographical location and the amount of rainfall estimated.