Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone facts for kids
A Medicane is a special type of storm that forms in the Mediterranean Sea. The word "Medicane" comes from "Mediterranean" and "hurricane." These storms are a lot like tropical storms or subtropical storms you might hear about in other parts of the world.
Weather scientists, also called meteorologists, usually see about one or two Medicanes each year. They happen most often in September and October. This is when the water in the Mediterranean Sea is warmest. Sometimes, they can form at other times of the year too. Scientists are studying if climate change might make these storms stronger in the future.
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What is a Medicane?
A Medicane is a powerful storm that gets its energy from warm ocean waters. It has a center that looks like an "eye" from space, just like bigger hurricanes. These storms can bring very strong winds and heavy rain to the areas around the Mediterranean Sea.
How Do Medicanes Form?
Medicanes need specific conditions to form. They need warm sea water, usually above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). They also need the right kind of winds high up in the atmosphere. These winds help the storm to spin and grow stronger. When these conditions come together, a Medicane can start to develop.
When Do Medicanes Happen?
Most Medicanes form during the autumn months, especially in September and October. This is because the Mediterranean Sea has been warming up all summer. The warm water provides the energy the storms need. Sometimes, they can also happen in other months, like January or December, but it's less common.
Impact of Medicanes
When a Medicane hits land, it can cause a lot of problems. The strong winds can damage buildings and trees. The heavy rain can lead to flooding, which can be dangerous and cause damage to homes and roads. Sometimes, Medicanes can also create large waves along the coast. People living in areas near the Mediterranean Sea need to be prepared for these storms.
Famous Medicanes
Over the years, there have been several notable Medicanes. For example, Medicane Qendresa hit Malta in November 2014, bringing strong winds. Medicane Ianos caused significant damage in Greece in September 2020. These events help scientists learn more about how Medicanes behave and how to predict them better.
Images for kids
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Visible satellite imagery of a "medicane" above the Balearic Islands on 7 October 1996
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A Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone south of Italy, on 27 October 2005
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Satellite image of a tropical-like cyclone on 15 December 2005
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A weak and disorganized Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone on 28 January 2009
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ESSA-8 visible satellite imagery of the September 1969 cyclone
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Satellite imagery capturing the storm at its peak intensity at 26 January 1982
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Celeno at 14:00 UTC on 16 January, shortly after tropical cyclogenesis
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The second major Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone of 1996, while west of Italy on 7 October
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The last major Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone of 1996, near Italy
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The Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone of 26 September 2006
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Tropical Storm Rolf at peak intensity on 8 November 2011
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Cyclone Qendresa approaching Malta on 7 November
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90M on 31 October 2016
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Numa on 18 November 2017
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Medicane Zorbas on 29 September 2018
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Medicane Ianos on 17 September 2020
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Medicane Apollo on 29 October 2021
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Medicane Blas on 14 November 2021
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See also
In Spanish: Ciclón tropical mediterráneo para niños
