Most Atlantic hurricanes start to take shape when thunderstorms
along the west coast of Africa drift out over warm ocean waters
that are at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius),
where they encounter converging winds from around the equator.
Warm Air, Warm Water Make Conditions Right for Hurricanes
Hurricanes start when warm, moist air from the ocean surface
begins to rise rapidly, where it encounters cooler air that
causes the warm water vapor to condense and to form storm clouds
and drops of rain. The condensation also releases latent heat,
which warms the cool air above, causing it to rise and make way
for more warm humid air from the ocean below. As this cycle
continues, more warm moist air is drawn into the developing
storm and more heat is transferred from the surface of the ocean
to the atmosphere. This continuing heat exchange creates a wind
pattern that spirals around a relatively calm center, or eye,
like water swirling down a drain. Converging Winds Create
Hurricanes Converging winds nea