Analysis of the fundamental tropical seasons by combining satellite and raingauge data

The increasing accuracy of data from meteorological satellites coupled with the scarcity of tropical raingauge data and the need for information regarding the fundamental tropical seasons (dry and wet), has led to the development of procedures for climatic analysis that incorporate satellite products. A previously designed procedure based on satellite outgoing longwave radiation and raingauge data is modified to characterise each calendar month of a neo‐tropical region (Guri, 7.5 ° , 62.5 ° , 2.5 ° lat, 2.5 ° long, Jan 1974 –Dec 1996, Venezuela). The intensities (categories) of the two fundamental tropical seasons are explored by applying a further four‐category procedure. Observed runs of categories lasting four, five and six years, not expected in the 23‐year period (1974–1996), indicate that there is a degree of persistence. This persistence could provide industry with information that will allow improved annual planning. Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society