Tropical cyclones aka hurricanes in the Atlantic. are intense low- pressure systems characterized by heavy rain and high winds. When a tropical cyclone passes an area, however, there are generally several days of clear, dry weather. Why might this occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tropical cyclones have an outflow aloft, which is the upper-level exhaust of the storm. This outflow aloft pulls air out of the top of the storm, creating low pressure at the surface near the center of the storm. This low pressure causes surrounding air to be drawn in towards the storm. However, due to the outflow aloft, the air surrounding the storm must be replaced by air from higher in the atmosphere, which is typically descending air. Descending air is drier than ascending air, so when the descending air replaces the air around the storm, it can lead to clear and dry conditions.

Tropical Cyclones Aka Hurricanes in the Atlantic