Monitoring marine heatwaves in Salvador-BA using SiMCosta data

Abstract

The frequency, duration, and intensity of Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) have been increasing, with a notable trend in the South Atlantic. This study investigates MHW occurrences over the past five years (August 2019 to April 2024) using sea surface temperature (SST) data from the Tracker tool and the SiMCosta BA01 buoy, located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The Tracker identified 23 MHW events, while the SiMCosta buoy revealed 42 events, indicating greater variability due to local dynamics. A particularly significant event occurred in March 2024, with a maximum SST anomaly of 2.61ºC. The onset of this warming coincided with an extreme El Niño in the Tropical Pacific, suggesting a possible interaction between global climate patterns and local extremes. The identification and analysis of MHW events using the SiMCosta buoy highlight the need for continuous and detailed monitoring of meteorological and oceanographic data to better assess and understand local climatic extremes and their impacts, especially on marine ecosystems and regional economic activities.