Intra-seasonal variability of rainfall and atmospheric energetics over northeast Brazil during the rainy season of 1979

As an extension to recent studies concerning interannual and seasonal variability of rainfall over northeast Brazil, this study looks at the atmosphere immediately over northeast Brazil on a daily basis. Intra-seasonal variability of rainfall, winds and thermodynamic energies are examined for the wet season (February through May) of 1979. A trend is observed in the temporal rainfall pattern, from short duration showers in the early season to longer and more vigorous systems in the later season. May is noted as a transitional month between the wet and dry seasons. Circulation changes associated with rainy days include an upper-level trough extending further northward, weakened low-level easterlies and an increased moist energy flux from the north. These findings agree well with earlier investigations.