Rainfall spatio-temporal distribution of Western Bahia

Abstract

Rainfall is an element of great spatial and temporal variability, and its knowledge is essential for decision-making. This information is fundamental for the planning and management of irrigation systems, choice of planting and harvesting periods, among others. Prior and reliable knowledge of the pluviometric characteristics for agricultural planning can signicantly reduce the risk of production loss. This study, through Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data, objecties for the western region of the state of Bahia: to analyze spatio-temporal patterns of monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall; and study rainfall occurrence. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission monthly product was calibrated with eld data provided by the Agência Nacional de Águas. Two seasons are observed for the western region of Bahia: a wet season with well distributed rainy days, and a dry one where the rainfall in most months is close to none. Rainfall spatial distribution presents, for the majority of the months, higher volume of rainfall on the extreme west. The mean rainfall occurs with a probability level below 50%. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission provides valuable information that should trend in agricultural, hydrological and water balance studies.