Tropical Weather Terms to Know

If you are considering buying a property in a tropical location, it is important to be familiar with some of the common weather terms you may encounter in the area. Tropical weather can be unpredictable, and it is essential to know what to expect. Here are a few essential tropical weather terms that you should know.

Tropical Disturbance

A tropical disturbance is a weather system that is characterized by a cluster of thunderstorms that move together. It is the first stage of a tropical cyclone, and it is often difficult to predict the trajectory and intensity of a tropical disturbance. It is important to note that not all tropical disturbances turn into tropical cyclones.

Invest

An invest is a term used by meteorologists to describe a designated area of disturbed weather that is being monitored for possible development into a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane. It is assigned a numerical designation, such as Invest 90L, and is monitored closely for any potential impacts to land.

Potential Tropical Cyclone

A potential tropical cyclone is a term used by the National Hurricane Center to describe a weather system that has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. This designation allows forecasters to issue watches and warnings for areas that may be impacted by the system, even if it has not yet developed into a named storm.

Tropical Cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a rotating weather system with low pressure at its center that produces strong winds and storms. Once a tropical cyclone reaches maximum sustained winds of 74 miles it is known as a hurricane in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific and as a typhoon in the western Pacific. These storms can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and it is essential to be prepared if you live in an area prone to these types of storms.

Tropical Depression

A tropical depression is a weather system with sustained winds of up to 38 miles per hour. It is the second stage of a tropical cyclone, and it often brings heavy rain and gusty winds to the affected area. While it is less severe than a tropical storm or hurricane, it still has the potential to cause damage to property and infrastructure.

Tropical Storm

A tropical storm is a weather system with sustained winds of between 39 and 73 miles per hour. It is the third stage of a tropical cyclone, and it often brings heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges to the affected area. While it is less severe than a hurricane, it still has the potential to cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.

Hurricane

Hurricanes originate in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, the eastern North Pacific Ocean, and, less frequently, the central North Pacific Ocean. A six-year rotating list of names, updated and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, is used to identify these storms."Hurricane Season" begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, although hurricanes can, and have, occurred outside of this time frame.

In conclusion, if you are considering buying a property in a tropical location, it is essential to be familiar with these tropical weather terms. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions and stay safe during a weather event. Always remember to listen to local authorities and follow evacuation orders if necessary. With proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy the many benefits of living in a tropical paradise.