GoKawiilEUMETSAT releases first images from MTG-I2 weather satellite's imager
EUMETSAT has published the first images from the Flexible Combined Imager aboard Meteosat Third Generation Imager 2, roughly two months after the satellite launched on 27 August 2026. A full-disc image from 20 October shows cloud cover over Europe and the North Atlantic against clear Saharan skies, and a rapid-scan animation from 3 November captures Europe and North Africa at 2.5-minute intervals, including fog, Mediterranean convective clouds and a wildfire smoke plume in Portugal.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The 2.5-minute observation frequency is far more rapid than existing imaging, which could let forecasters track fast-developing hazards like storms and wildfire smoke with greater precision and provide earlier warnings. These initial images serve as an early demonstration of capabilities ahead of the satellite entering full operational service.
- MTG-I2's Flexible Combined Imager produced its first released images in October-November 2026.
- The satellite can image Europe and North Africa at 2.5-minute intervals in rapid-scan mode.
- Early imagery captured weather phenomena including convective clouds, fog, and a Portuguese wildfire smoke plume.
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Published there as: “MTG-I2 First Images”
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