What Is Extratropical Cyclone?
The typical low pressure storm system of the middle latitudes, with warm and cold fronts, that brings most rain and snow outside the tropics. In technical terms: A synoptic-scale cyclone (about 1000-3000 km) forming in baroclinic zones and deriving energy from horizontal temperature contrasts, typically with frontal structure and a cold core aloft; tropical cyclones can transition into extratropical cyclones.
Also called: Midlatitude Cyclone, Nor'easter
Extratropical Cyclone In Plain English
The typical low pressure storm system of the middle latitudes, with warm and cold fronts, that brings most rain and snow outside the tropics.
The Technical Definition
A synoptic-scale cyclone (about 1000-3000 km) forming in baroclinic zones and deriving energy from horizontal temperature contrasts, typically with frontal structure and a cold core aloft; tropical cyclones can transition into extratropical cyclones.
Lessons That Use Extratropical Cyclone
- Occluded Fronts, Stationary Fronts And Drylines Unit 4: Air Masses And Fronts
