Storm track

Definition of Storm Track

In meteorological parlance, a storm track represents the typical route taken by storms, inclusive of cyclones, hurricanes, and low-pressure systems. This route is dictated by the intricate relationship between atmospheric circulation patterns, the direction and strength of winds, and other overarching meteorological influences, both within defined geographical regions and globally.

Factors Influencing Storm Tracks

Atmospheric Circulation: Major patterns of atmospheric circulation, not least among them the jet stream, play a significant role in directing storm systems and establishing their customary pathway. The jet stream, an express air current within the upper troposphere, has profound implications for the formation and movement of storms, notably in the mid-latitudes.

Ocean Currents and Sea Surface Temperatures: Oceanic currents exert control over sea surface temperatures (SSTs), which in turn hold the power to manipulate storm tracks. Storms find their source and increase in intensity over warmer oceanic waters, with storm systems naturally gravitating towards regions of elevated SSTs.

Topography: The physical features of the Earth's surface, including mountains and coastlines, also factor into storm tracks by navigating or impeding the progress of storm systems. With respect to mountain ranges, the uplift of air can trigger storm development or change the storm's course.

Global Storm Tracks

Tropical Storm Tracks: In the tropical zones, storm tracks are molded by trade winds and grand-scale circulation patterns — the Hadley Cell provides one such example. Tropical storms, which include hurricanes and typhoons, are typically birthed in the tropical waters, adhering to a westward path under the influence of the trade winds.

Mid-Latitude Storm Tracks: At the mid-latitudes, storm tracks often coincide with the polar front, the boundary where warm air from the tropics converges with cold polar air. These storm tracks owe their trajectory to the jet stream, generally following a west-to-east course, with storms materializing and gaining strength along the polar front.

Seasonal Variability in Storm Tracks

Storm tracks can shift seasonally in response to modifications in the position of the jet stream and other meteorological components. In the context of the North Atlantic, it is observed that hurricane tracks incline towards a northward shift during the summer months. This shift can be attributed to the northward movement of the subtropical high-pressure system, thereby directing storms towards the eastern coast of the United States.