Hurricanes are the most commonly observed form of tropical cyclones. It is characterized by strong wind blowing with a speed of 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes are more complex forms of thunderstorms. A simple thunderstorm aided by atmosphere and ocean, can acquire the strength of a hurricane. In the Northern Hemisphere hurricanes involve counter-clockwise movement of wind. In the Southern Hemisphere, the spiral movement follows a clockwise trend.

Formation of Hurricanes

Ocean water temperature is an important atmospheric condition resulting in the formation of hurricanes. For hurricanes, the temperature of ocean water should not be less than 26.5 degree Celsius. Moisture and heat developed from the water surface are the main factors influencing the strength of hurricanes. As the land or ocean temperature falls, strength of hurricane decreases.

Besides the ocean temperature, relative humidities also contribute towards development of hurricanes. For hurricane formation the relative humidities of the lower and middle tropospheric level must be very high. Condensation of vapor reduces substantially due to high relative humidity. This results in latent heat formation due to increased precipitation.

Hurricanes can extend upto two to three weeks. Most of the time hurricanes start as thunderstorms. Once a tropical depression is formed, it takes some time to mature into a tropical storm.

Hurricane Safety

Hurricane warning and hurricane safety measures attempt to make people aware of the possible threats of hurricanes. Hurricane watch is published in all hurricane prone areas during the yearly hurricane season, which starts from the month of June and continues till the month of November.

National Hurricane Center

National Hurricane Center is the main International center dealing with cyclone related forecasts.