Sandra Yanira Martínez, Salvadoran meteorology pioneer, dies

Sandra Yanira Martínez Tobar, recognized as El Salvador’s first female meteorologist, passed away on October 25, 2026. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Martínez Tobar was a foundational figure in the country’s meteorological development.

During her tenure at the National Meteorological Service, she specialized in aeronautical and maritime meteorology, oceanography, and climate change. Her technical expertise included the maintenance of hydrometeorological stations and the management of the Meteorological Forecasting Center. Her work provided essential maritime bulletins for fishermen and coastal navigation, as well as critical weather reports for the aviation sector.

Martínez Tobar received specialized training from international institutions, including the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, as well as training in Spain. Beyond her technical roles, she was noted for her ability to communicate complex weather data to the general public through various media outlets and for training journalists in meteorological reporting.