Observation of Heavy Rainfall in Northern Europe from Late May to June 2016 by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission

Using the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), we have been continuously monitoring the rainfall in Europe, where it rained heavily day after day from late May through June 2016.

The GSMaP product estimates global precipitation distribution by using data from GPM Core Observatory and GPM constellation satellites. The following video shows the distribution of surface precipitation around Europe from 0:00 UTC on May 26, 2016, to 18:00 UTC on June 2, 2016.

Observation results by GSMaP from May 26, 2016, 00:00 to June 2, 18:00 (UTC)

In particular, a band of heavy rainfall was observed from 28 to 31 May, resulting in severe damage such as flooding in various places, mainly in northern Europe, including France and Germany. The Seine River in Paris partially overflowed.

The latest JAXA GSMaP observation images are available at the URL below.

JAXA Global Rainfall Watch
JAXA Realtime Rainfall Watch