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    • Infrared (IR) Sounder Atmospheric Temperature and Humidity Profiles, Version 5

    Metadata Updated: December 12, 2025

    This long-term satellite data record contains observations of atmospheric temperature and humidity at multiple pressure levels. The data set is produced primarily using input from infrared radiation (IR) sounder instruments such as the High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS). Current data holdings span from1981-07-08 to 2021-12-31 with data derived from HIRS instruments onboard the NOAA and MetOp polar-orbiting satellite series. Future data holdings are planned to include data derived from other IR sensors such as CrIS and IASI.

    The data product is global and at the native sensor spatial resolution (e.g. 10, 20 km at nadir) with observations up to twice daily. The temperature variable is available at the surface, 2 meter, 1000 hPa, 850 hPa, 700 hPa, 600 hPa, 500 hPa, 400 hPa, 300 hPa, 200 hPa, 100 hPa, and 50 hPa levels. The specific humidity variable is available at the 2 meter, 1000 hPa, 850 hPa, 700 hPa, 600 hPa, 500 hPa, 400 hPa, and 300 hPa levels. This data is most reliable under clear-sky conditions, and as such cloudy pixels have been removed and/or marked with quality flags.

    Access & Use Information

    License: No license information was provided. If this work was prepared by an officer or employee of the United States government as part of that person's official duties it is considered a U.S. Government Work.

    Downloads & Resources

    Dates

    Metadata Date April 28, 2025
    Metadata Created Date December 12, 2025
    Metadata Updated Date December 12, 2025
    Reference Date(s) July 16, 2024 (publication)
    Frequency Of Update asNeeded

    Metadata Source

    Harvested from ncdc

    Other Data Resources

    Graphic Preview

    NOAA logo

    Additional Metadata

    Resource Type Dataset
    Metadata Date April 28, 2025
    Metadata Created Date December 12, 2025
    Metadata Updated Date December 12, 2025
    Reference Date(s) July 16, 2024 (publication)
    Responsible Party NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (Point of Contact)
    Contact Email
    Guid gov.noaa.ncdc:C01713
    Access Constraints Cite as: Matthews, J. L.; Rao, Y.; Shi, L. (2024): Infrared (IR) Sounder Temperature and Humidity Profiles dataset, Version 5. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/zrs9-p639. Accessed [date]., Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives., Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
    Bbox East Long 180.0
    Bbox North Lat 90.0
    Bbox South Lat -90.0
    Bbox West Long -180.0
    Coupled Resource
    Frequency Of Update asNeeded
    Graphic Preview Description NOAA logo
    Graphic Preview File https://data.noaa.gov/docucomp/image/5abab464-7994-49fc-8a2f-ec337a11bfd4
    Graphic Preview Type PNG
    Harvest Object Id b51500ab-1cfe-4d17-9ae9-c8edb9ab772c
    Harvest Source Id 2cb3ef77-1683-4c2a-9119-dc65e50917c6
    Harvest Source Title ncdc
    Licence
    Lineage
    Metadata Language eng; USA
    Metadata Type geospatial
    Old Spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-180.0, -90.0], [180.0, -90.0], [180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, -90.0]]]}
    Progress completed
    Spatial Data Service Type
    Spatial Reference System
    Spatial Harvester True
    Temporal Extent Begin 1981-07-08
    Temporal Extent End 2021-12-31

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