Tracking Tropical Cyclone Garance: Insights into Southern Hemisphere Storms

Tropical Cyclone Garance, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 121 mph, has formed in the Indian Ocean. Cyclones, which spin clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, differ from hurricanes. The cyclone season in this region typically runs from late October to May, with peak activity from late February to early March.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that Tropical Cyclone Garance formed in the Indian Ocean on Thursday morning, Eastern Time. With sustained winds reaching 121 miles per hour, Garance qualifies as a Category 3 hurricane, equivalent to the classification used in the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Southern Hemisphere, cyclones represent a unique classification of tropical storms, with approximately twenty-five percent of the world’s cyclones developing in this region. Cyclones possess winds of 74 miles per hour or more, which are termed hurricanes elsewhere; in the Southern Hemisphere, these storms rotate clockwise, contrasting with the counterclockwise spin of hurricanes.

Tropical cyclones impact various regions, including eastern Africa—particularly Madagascar—and also strike the western, northern, and eastern coasts of Australia as well as nearby island nations. The cyclone season in these areas is typically opposite to that of the Northern Hemisphere, generally commencing in late October and extending through May, peaking in activity around late February and early March.

Tropical Cyclone Garance, classified as a Category 3 storm based on its wind speed, exemplifies the unique characteristics of cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere. While similar to hurricanes in severity, they differ in their directional rotation and regional impact. Understanding these cyclical patterns and classifications is essential for comprehending the broader context of tropical meteorology. As the cyclone season unfolds in the Southern Hemisphere, ongoing monitoring and preparedness are vital to mitigate potential impacts on affected regions, particularly Madagascar and Australian coastlines.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com