Near Real Time Land Surface Temperature in the MODIS Rapid Response System

The MODIS Rapid Response System was developed to expedite availability of select MODLAND products for online distribution within hours after satellite overpass. To date, this system has produced the active fire product and imagery for selectable locations worldwide. This has primarily served wildfire fighting and community outreach purposes. Recently, we adapted the MODLAND Land Surface Temperature Product for using in the Rapid Response System. This required several modifications to the code since other input products (e.g., atmosphere water vapor) are not immediately available after satellite overpass. We now use forecasted atmospheric parameters as well as TOVS climatology to produce the near real time LST. We compare and characterize differences between the standard operational MODIS LST product and the new Rapid Response Product. The near real time LST was designed for agricultural and water stress monitoring as well as hydrological assimilation modeling. We indicate lessons learned and suggest future improvements.