GOES IR AND DUMMY VARIABLE TECHNIQUES FOR LOW TEMPERATURE ASSESSMENT IN FLORIDA1

ABSTRACT: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) thermal infrared (IR) data were used to study regional cold nocturnal temperature fluctuations that are important in assessing citrus freeze damage. Dummy variables techniques were used to analyze the temperature difference between the east and west sides of Central Florida, which was obtained from both ground measurement minimum temperature (T_GMM) and the GOES mean temperature (T_GOES) on low-temperature nights. The low temperature pattern, which was closely related to the citrus freeze damage pattern in Central Florida, was identified by GOES thermal IR data but not by conventional ground measurements. The low surface temperature in the west side and east side appears to be attributable to differences in soil types, water tables, and drainage classes in both regions.