Structures of meteorological systems, associated with heavy precipitation in the Alagoas State, for the 2003-2006 period were studied. Infrared satellite images, reanalysis data products of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and data from seventeen Alagoas pluviometric stations were used. The goal of this study is the analysis of the heavy precipitation causes and determination of the associated weather systems. Heavy precipitations were usually registered during autumn/winter seasons. Also, half of all spring/summer heavy precipitations events occurred in January. Wave Disturbances in the Trade Winds, Brazilian Northeast Jet Streams and Cold Front Extremities were associated with heavy precipitations. Almost all heavy precipitations events were connected with Mesoscale Convective Complexes in the west region of the State and usually did not occur in the east region. To exemplify the used analysis method a case study is discussed.
Synoptic Systems; Heavy Precipitation; Alagoas
