Outline of tropical cyclones

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to tropical cyclones:

Tropical cyclone – storm characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produces strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones develop or strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air. They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor'easters, European windstorms, and polar lows. The characteristic that separates tropical cyclones from other cyclonic systems is that at any height in the atmosphere, the center of a tropical cyclone will be warmer than its surroundings; a phenomenon called "warm core" storm systems.