New Technology Revolutionizes Weather Tracking and Monitoring in San Antonio
By Shelby Ebertowski and Sal Salazar, KSAT Weather Authority
Published: November 20, 2025 at 8:05 PM
San Antonio is witnessing a transformative shift in how weather is tracked and monitored, thanks to cutting-edge remote sensing technology. From rapidly evolving thunderstorms to persistent droughts, this new era of weather observation leverages advanced satellites and artificial intelligence to deliver unprecedented detail and timeliness in weather data — a critical advantage as climate extremes become more frequent.
What is Remote Sensing?
At the heart of this revolution is the science of remote sensing, a method of studying the Earth from a distance without physical contact. Think of it as taking photographs and measurements from space or the air. Specialized sensors mounted on satellites or aircraft collect essential data points such as temperature, moisture levels, cloud formations, and ground changes.
This technology enables meteorologists to observe atmospheric and environmental conditions in real time or near-real time. By remotely gathering this data, scientists can track storms, monitor drought progression, and foresee natural hazards before they impact local communities.
“The world is changing, and you need to have this technology to understand the technology — know how to process this data,” said Dr. Hongjie Xie, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. “Then, we can monitor the change to see the future.”
Overcoming Traditional Limitations
Optical sensors, which rely on visible light, have faced challenges such as cloud cover or heavy rainfall obscuring their view. This limitation is particularly problematic during severe weather events like hurricanes or flash floods. However, remote sensing technology is evolving to overcome these barriers, providing consistent and reliable data even in poor visibility conditions. This capability is pivotal for storm tracking and disaster preparedness in the San Antonio area.
Types of Weather-Tracking Satellites
Understanding the specifics of satellite technology helps illuminate why remote sensing is making such an impact.
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Geostationary Satellites: These satellites, including NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) series, remain fixed over the same geographical point on Earth. They provide frequent updates — every 30 seconds to five minutes — allowing meteorologists to watch storms develop in near real-time. Their primary strength lies in temporal resolution, or the ability to observe changes as they happen.
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Polar-Orbiting Satellites: Traveling from pole to pole, these satellites offer high spatial resolution images that cover the entire planet. Although they pass over the same location only twice a day, they produce highly detailed imagery valuable for in-depth analysis of weather patterns and environmental changes.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is becoming a vital part of weather forecasting. By integrating AI with satellite data, meteorologists can identify intricate patterns, enhance forecast models, and process massive amounts of information far faster than traditional methods permit. Experts predict that this blend of remote sensing and AI will drastically improve forecast accuracy and speed over the coming decade.
Impact on San Antonio and Beyond
For San Antonio, this sophisticated monitoring system means better soil moisture tracking, drought assessment, and access to real-time satellite imagery. With these data-driven insights, local forecasters can provide earlier warnings and more reliable weather forecasts, which are essential for protecting residents and infrastructure from extreme weather.
As climate variability continues to pose significant risks, this technological advancement is not just beneficial but necessary. Remote sensing technology is changing the way we understand and respond to our environment — making San Antonio a safer and more prepared community for whatever weather comes next.
Stay Informed with KSAT Weather
For the latest forecasts, radar updates, and alerts tailored to San Antonio and South Texas, download the KSAT weather app and visit the KSAT Weather Authority page. Stay connected with expert insights and breaking weather news as developments unfold.
About the Authors:
Shelby Ebertowski joined KSAT 12 News in January 2025, bringing a passion for meteorology sparked by her experience during Hurricane Harvey. She honed her forecasting skills at the University of North Dakota and KVLY in Fargo.
Sal Salazar has been a KSAT 12 photojournalist since 1998 with a rich history covering major news events across Texas. In his free time, he enjoys gaming and traveling with his wife.
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