Water evaporates from the ocean and moisture rises in a developing tropical cyclone. Condensation releases energy into the atmosphere. Relatively weak vertical wind shear helps the circulation stay organized. These storms also need sufficient Earth-rotation effects and usually do not develop right on the equator.
Weather and climate · Discover & try
Why does warm water not always make a hurricane?
Reading level 2 of 5 · DevelopingChange
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.
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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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