Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with winds that exceed 64 knots (74 mi/hr) and blow counterclockwise about their centers in the Northern hemisphere, (clockwise in the Southern hemisphere).

[Image: legend for above diagram ] Areas of favorable development

Hurricanes are born over the warm waters of the tropical oceans, where humid air and converging winds fuel convective processes responsible for developing hurricanes.

Hurricane season typically extends from June through November, when water temperatures in these regions are relatively high (greater than 26.5 C). Most hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall, i.e., August and September. Hurricanes are larger than thunderstorms and tornadoes but smaller than mid-latitude cyclones The primary components of a hurricane include: