Extratropical Cyclone – Definition

Extratropical Cyclone

Any cyclone that is no longer tropical in origin. Generally considered to be a migratory frontal cyclone found in the middle and high latitudes. An extratropical storm is a cyclone that no longer derives its energy source from the processes involved in sustaining a tropical cyclone, but thrives on baroclinic processes; i.e., the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses. The term extratropical is typically used when a tropical cyclone moves away from the tropics and moves poleward into cooler waters thus losing its tropical characteristics.

Cyclone

An area of closed pressure circulation with rotating and converging winds, the center of which is a relative pressure minimum. The circulation is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Also called a low pressure system and the term used for a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean. Other phenomena with cyclonic flow may be referred to by this term, such as dust devils, tornadoes, and tropical and extratropical systems. The opposite of an anticyclone or a high pressure system.

Tropics / Tropical

The region of the earth located between the Tropic of Cancer, at 23.5 degrees North latitude, and the Tropic of Capricorn, at 23.5 degrees South latitude. It encompasses the equatorial region, an area of high temperatures and considerable precipitation during part of the year.

Middle Latitudes

The latitude belt roughly between 35 and 65 degrees North and South. May be referred to as the temperate region.

High Latitudes

The latitude belt roughly between 60° and 90° North and South.

Service Area

Broward County: Andytown, Bonnie Loch-Woodsetter North, Boulevard Gardens, Broadview-Pompano Park, Broward Estates, Carver Ranches, Chambers Estates Chula Vista Isles, Coconut Creek, Collier Manor-Cresthaven, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Country Estates, Crystal Lake, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Edgewater, Fort Lauderdale, Franklin Park, Golden Heights, Green Meadow, Hacienda Village, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hillsboro Pines, Hillsboro Ranches, Hollywood, Ivanhoe Estates, Kendall Green, Lake Forest, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Lazy Lake, Leisureville, Lighthouse Point, Loch Lomond, Margate, Melrose Park, Miramar, North Andrews Gardens, North Lauderdale, Oak Point, Oakland Park, Palm Aire, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Pine Island Ridge, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Highlands, Pompano Estates, Ramblewood East, Ravenswood Estates, Riverland Village, Rock Island, Rolling Oaks, Roosevelt Gardens, Royal Palm Ranches, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, St. George, Sunrise, Sunshine Acres, Sunshine Ranches, Tamarac, Tedder, Terra Mar, Utopia, Village Park, Washington Park, West Ken-Lark, West Park, Weston, Wilton Manors

Counties: Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, St Lucie

412 Sunshine Blvd
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