A hurricane draws energy from warm ocean water, but warm water alone is not enough. A starting disturbance, moist air and suitable winds are also important. Strong changes in wind with height can pull a developing storm apart. Compare the ingredients rather than expecting one warm patch to make a hurricane.
Weather and climate · Discover & try
Why does warm water not always make a hurricane?
Reading level 1 of 5 · EarlyChange
Word help
Vertical wind shear
A change in wind speed or direction with height.
Disturbance
A pre-existing area of unsettled weather that may help organize a circulation.
Tropical cyclone
An organized rotating storm system over tropical or subtropical waters.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
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Qualitative development conditions; no storm probability, track, intensity or local forecast is calculated.
What to look for
- Change shear while keeping warm water.
- Compare aligned and displaced convection.
- Name another requirement besides ocean warmth.
Explain what you noticed
A new disturbance crosses very warm water but enters strong vertical wind shear. Which statement fits the lesson?
Keep this idea: Warm ocean water is one requirement; moisture, organized disturbance and low disruptive wind shear also matter.
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Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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