Tracking Tropical Cyclone Honde: Key Insights and Details

Tropical Cyclone Honde, located in the Mozambique Channel, had sustained winds of 69 miles per hour. Only a quarter of tropical cyclones occur in the Southern Hemisphere, where they are termed cyclones and spin clockwise. The cyclone season runs from late October to May, with activity peaking in late February and early March.

On Wednesday afternoon Eastern Time, Tropical Cyclone Honde was reported to be situated in the Mozambique Channel, according to the latest advisory issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. This cyclone exhibited sustained wind speeds of 69 miles per hour. A noteworthy fact is that only a quarter of the planet’s tropical cyclones emerge in the Southern Hemisphere. For storms with sustained winds measuring 74 miles per hour or higher, the terminology shifts; such storms are designated as hurricanes in the Atlantic, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere they are referred to as cyclones.

It is pertinent to note that cyclones exhibit a clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere, in contrast to the counterclockwise spin of hurricanes. Areas at risk from these cyclones include eastern Africa, with Madagascar being particularly vulnerable, as well as the western, northern, and eastern coastlines of Australia and adjacent island nations.

The cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere operates in reverse to that of other regions, typically commencing in late October and extending through May. The timing of peak activity is highly variable based on specific geographic locations, but generally, the highest frequency of cyclones is observed in late February and early March.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Honde represents a significant meteorological event occurring in the Mozambique Channel with wind speeds nearing 69 miles per hour. It is crucial to recognize the unique characteristics of cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, including their rotation and seasonal patterns, which differ markedly from hurricanes in the Atlantic. The potential impact areas, such as Madagascar and the coasts of Australia, highlight the importance of monitoring these storms due to their destructive capabilities.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com