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Counterclockwise winds associated with cyclones transport heat and moisture from lower to higher latitudes and play a significant role in the movement of air masses.
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As a cyclone intensifies, (the central pressure drops), counterclockwise winds around the low pressure center also intensify, transporting the air masses around the center of circulation. |
By superimposing fronts over the
low pressure center and the
air masses,
a top view of a midlatitude cyclone and accompanying air masses
might resemble something like the diagram below:
Southerly winds east of the low transport warm and moist air northward and this moisture often contributes to the development of precipitation. A warm front marks the leading edge of this warm, moist air mass. Behind the low, northerly winds transport colder and drier air southward, with a cold front marking the leading edge of this colder, drier air mass.
associated winds |
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on satellite images |