How Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes (called typhoons or cyclones in other regions) begin as tropical disturbances over ocean waters of at least 26.5 °C. Warm, moist air rises rapidly from the surface, creating an area of low pressure. Surrounding air rushes in and is deflected by the Coriolis effect, causing rotation. As the warm air rises and cools, water vapour condenses into towering thunderstorm clouds, releasing latent heat that further fuels the rising air. This feedback loop intensifies the storm. When sustained winds reach 119 km/h, the system is classified as a hurricane. The eye — a calm, clear centre 30-65 km across — forms when the rotation becomes strong enough to create centrifugal forces that push air outward.