Development of strong asymmetric convection leading to rapid intensification of tropical cyclones

Abstract

Recent intensifying tropical cyclones around the globe are analysed to examine the observed winds structure in their inner core. The winds in sectors with strong bands of thunderstorms were observed from analysed vector winds in weather forecasting computer models to turn in an anticyclonic fashion from the 850 hPa level up to the 500 hPa level. This wind structure resembles Quasi-Geostrophic warm air advection and from Hysplit the trajectory analysis was in areas of ascending air currents suitable for the initiation of thunderstorms. The rapid intensification occurred as the cyclonic circulation extends up to at least 200 hPa.