Extended optimal estimation techniques for sea surface temperature from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infra-Red Imager (SEVIRI)

► Sea surface temperature retrieved from SEVIRI by optimal estimation. ► Use of 8.7 μm channel with 11 and 12 μm improves sensitivity. ► Novel method for accounting for spatial correlation of atmospheric effects proposed. ► Simultaneous reduction in noise and improvement in sensitivity obtained. ► Sensitivity shown to be important in observing diurnal cycle of sea surface temperature.