Meteorology

Consideration of the meteorology of an area is essential in evaluating and predi cting volcanic hazards, as it affects the deposition of volcanic products.

Table 1: Climatic records from stations near Ilopango Volcano, El Salvador


                 Jan.  Feb.  Mar.  Apr.  May.  Jun.  Jul.  Aug.  Sep.  Oct.  Nov
.  Dec.  Annual

1.  Temp.-- (c)  22.1  22.6  23.7  24.4  24.0  23.1  23.0  23.2  22.8  22.8  22.2  21.7  23.0

 
2.  Precip.(mm)  5     5     9     55    187   322   315   299   317   230  42 
   10     1867 


3.  Precip.(mm)  4     3     10     52    174   316   311   298   305   221  41 
   10     1867 


4.  Precip.(mm)  3     2     9     43    196   378   392   353   369   269  45 
   8     1867 


5.  Precip.(mm)  4     2     4     43    217  364   356   337   395   285  47 
   6     1867

1. Ilopango. Elevation 615m 8 year record
2. San Salvador Obs. Elevation 680m 53 year record
3. San Salvador FES. Elevation 635m 53 year record
4. Cojutepeque. Elevation 800m 37 year record
5. San Vincente. Elevation 425m 37 year record

There are some things that become apparent by studying the above information. On e is there is a strong rainy season. This can be important as rainfall can affe ct volcanic activity. Another fact is that the tempurature near Izalco is essen tially the same year round.

The rainy season runs from May until November. During this time it is common to cloud up and rain in the afternoon. Due to this it is better to work early in the day while it is still cool and dry.

It should also be noted that during the dry season the days are shorter.