Development of a new climate classification system based on methodology of synoptic weather types for the Brazilian Northeast

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a synoptic-based climate classification system for the Brazilian Northeast. As a method, the atmospheric characteristics in the surface were identified and systematized regarding the individualized synoptic systems and the air masses that act in the region. For this purpose, the Principal Component Analysis was applied, followed by the Hierarchical Cluster analysis by the Ward method. These procedures resulted in the delimitation of similar groups of meteorological stations regarding the daily behavior of atmospheric variables. These groups were related to synoptic systems with the aid of satellite images and surface synoptic charts. The final climatic classification was obtained by the analysis of the grouping of the seasonal frequencies of action of the synoptic systems attributed to the regional meteorological stations. As a result, the weather types associated with the synoptic systems were described and nine weather types were presented for the Brazilian Northeast.

Keywords:
Climate classification; Brazilian Northeast; Synoptic Climatology