Just taking a quick look at the first NUCAPS swath over the CONUS.  I did want to point out the dropout in the swath, that unfortunately occurred along part of the SPC risk axis that stretched SW-NE from Illinois into the lower Great Lakes.  Although, the swath did obtain some soundings in the Marginal Risk area that encompasses much of Ohio.   Clicking  on the soundings in and around the Marginal Risk area indicated a regional location of higher instability.  Although soundings in the SW part of this risk area showed markedly higher instability values.

Notice the are significant differences across this area with overall larger lapse rates and instability in the SW corner of the Marginal Risk Area.  So, it will be interesting to see what unfolds in this area.  As the NUCAPS data indicate, are some areas within the singular Marginal Risk Area more favored for stronger activity, and thus further partitioning is needed?

So, I just wanted to point out some quick features and soundings with the initial NUCAPS swath, although we’re focused to the west today, over the southern Plains again.  We’ll be watching intently for the next NUCAPS swath.