Estudo da incidência de nuvens CBS no Centro-Oeste brasileiro: uma avaliação decenal (2013-2023) a partir das cartas SIGWX PROG

Abstract

Cumulonimbus clouds (CB) have significant vertical development, create adverse weather conditions, and pose risks to aviation, resulting in issues such as diversions and delays. Building upon this problem, the objective of this study was to examine the decadal occurrence of CBs in the Brazilian Midwest region to identify areas with a higher incidence of the phenomenon. To achieve this, an exploratory and qualitative methodology was adopted, supported by documentary and bibliographic procedures. The analyzed documents included Brazilian and North American SIGWX PROG charts at 18 UTC. The study period covered January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2023, and the selected area was divided into four quadrants. The research revealed that Quadrant 1 (with only one lower airway) was the most affected by CBs. Aerodromes SDH2, SWIY, SWNZ, SDPH, SWUA, SDOV, SWXE, SJUR, and SNGV are part of this quadrant. It was also observed that CBs had an average altimetric height of 50,000 feet, and the highest annual frequency in the region occurred in the summer. Consequently, the study concludes that flights of lighter aircraft, especially those operated in Quadrant 1, are subject to risks associated with CBs and thunderstorms, particularly in the months of November, December, and January. Therefore, the need for the use of meteorological radar, efficient flight planning, and, in some cases, flight postponement in that region becomes evident. As a suggestion, alternative routes need to be considered for air operations in the most affected regions to provide safe and efficient diversions.