On Frontal Zone Analysis in the Tropical Region of the Northeast Brazil

Abstract

A frontal structure in the tropical region is different than in the extratropical region and traditional methods of frontal identification are not accurate. The use of a horizontal distribution of the equivalent potential temperature and its advection is the new aspect in frontal identification and will support forecasters in their daily operational practice. Six fronts over 3 years were identified by the method used in operational practice. Twenty fronts were registered by cloud bands together with the equivalent potential temperature and its advection maps. A cold front separated from the cyclone’s center and affected weather on the Northeast Brazil.