Why are there so few hurricanes in the winter?
I'm especially looking for answers from those that don't think there is any connection between global warming and hurricanes.
I'm especially looking for answers from those that don't think there is any connection between global warming and hurricanes.
DaveH
Favorite Answer
Because it's not warm enough. So why hasn't global warming made them more common?
HappyFlorida
A few reasons that are intrinsically related- Sea surface temperatures are not high enough in the winter and spring. Hurricanes require warm air over warm water because they are powered by the latent heat of condensation of water vapor- and warm air is required to hold sufficient water vapor. SSTs usually need to be 28 degrees celsius or higher to support hurricanes and significant deep convection in the tropics.
Another reason for lack of hurricanes in winter is strong wind shear. Because both the subtropical and polar jet stream shifts south in winter- wind shear is usually so strong in winter that tropical cyclones couldnt form - even if sea surface temperatures were warm enough.
Another reason is that in the winter, air in the tropics is often sinking- stabilizing the atmosphere against deep convection.
All of these factors are intrinsically connected.
Sammy
Hurricanes are formed with warm ocean waters and in winter the water is cold, so it's very rare for them to form. They only form during hurricane season when waters hot
Mary
Hurricanes are driven by hot air rising.
Kano
It require ocean temperatures of 28C or higher to drive hurricanes and cyclones.
The fact that there has been little rise in hurricane numbers, just enforces the fact that there is no ongoing global warming.