tropical storm formation

Warm ocean water: The sea temperature must be at least 27°C to provide enough heat and moisture.

Location: Forms between 5° and 30° north or south of the equator (not too close to the equator because the Coriolis effect is too weak).

Evaporation: Warm water evaporates, creating warm, moist air above the ocean surface.

Rising air: The warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds and thunderstorms.

Release of latent heat: Condensation releases heat, warming the air further and causing it to rise faster.

Low pressure: Rising air creates a low-pressure area near the surface, drawing in more air.

Coriolis effect: Causes the incoming air to rotate around the low-pressure center, forming a spinning storm.

Storm grows: The system strengthens as more warm air is drawn in and rises, creating a large rotating storm.

Eye formation: At the center, an area of calm and low pressure called the eye forms. Around it is the eyewall with the strongest winds and rain.

Movement: The storm moves with prevailing winds, gaining or losing strength depending on conditions (weakens over land or cooler water).