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Graphic by: Ed Mlodzik
Midlatitude cyclones are the cause of most of the stormy weather in the United States, espeically during the winter season. Understanding the structure and evolution of midlatitude cyclones is crucial for predicting significant weather phenomena such as blizzards, flooding rains, and severe weather.
A midlatitude cyclone is an area of low pressure located between 30 degrees and 60 degrees latitude. Since the continental United States is located in this latitude belt, these cyclones impact the weather in the U.S.
This instructional module introduces the most important features of midlatitude cyclones. The module is divided into the following sections:
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Sections Last Update: 08/22/97 |
Definition of a Cyclone
The general structure of a cyclone and associated air masses and fronts is discussed.
Winds Associated With a Cyclone
Air Masses and Cyclones
Cyclones on Satellite Images
Upper Air Features
Acknowledgements
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The navigation menu (left) for this module is called "Midlatitude Cyclones" and the menu items are arranged in a recommended sequence, beginning with this introduction. In addition, this entire web server is accessible in both "graphics" and "text"-based modes, a feature controlled from the blue "User Interface" menu (located beneath the black navigation menus). More information about the user interface options, the navigation system, or WW2010 in general is accessible from About This Server.
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