Ask AI: where do tropical cyclones form

Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons, typically form in regions close to the equator, where warm sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions are favorable for their development. They usually originate in the following ocean basins: 1. Atlantic Ocean: In the tropical Atlantic, they form typically between the western coast of Africa and the eastern coast of the Americas, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. 2. Eastern Pacific Ocean: The tropical cyclones form off the western coast of Central and South America, often in the vicinity of Mexico and Central America. 3. Western Pacific Ocean: Also known as typhoons or super typhoons, they form in the western Pacific Ocean region, between the eastern coast of Asia and the international dateline. 4. Indian Ocean: Cyclones form in the northern and southern parts of the Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. 5. Southwest Indian Ocean: The tropical cyclones in this region form to the east of Madagascar and affect countries like Mauritius, Reunion Island, and the Comoros. 6. South Pacific Ocean: Tropical cyclones in this region form to the east of Australia and Fiji, affecting countries like Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. These storms usually form in areas with sea surface temperatures of at least 26.5°C (79.7°F), low vertical wind shear, and high humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere. The presence of a pre-existing weather disturbance, such as a tropical wave or a cluster of thunderstorms, often acts as a catalyst for tropical cyclone formation.