[en] Diagnostics of prevalent atmospheric conditions during the life cycle of meso-scale convective systems (MCSs) over Colombia and the eastern tropical pacific are developed using satellite data from the tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM), and from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis project. Atmospheric stability indices such as CAPE, CINE, LI, and equivalent potential temperature are quantified, as well as kinematical indices such as relative vertical vorticity and vertical wind shear. Atmospheric environments associated with MCS are studied for 1998; both as long-term means but also in terms of the seasonal cycle large-scale atmospheric indices are quantified for the most intense precipitation events within MCSs. Relationships between those indices are estimated, and atmospheric conditions are studied for the life cycle of MCSs, including antecedent and subsequent conditions surrounding MCSs activity