Explosive cyclone development in the Southern Hemisphere and a comparison with Northern Hemisphere events

Abstract

A compilation of Southern Hemisphere (SH) explosively developing cyclones (or "bombs") has been assembled based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction-Department of Energy reanalysis-2 data over the 21-yr period from 1979 to 1999. The identification of these features was undertaken with an objective automated cyclone finding and tracking scheme. The procedure allows for the confounding influence of spatial variations of climatological mean pressure on the pressure deepening of explosive cyclones, a perspective of particular importance in the SH. On average, 26 explosive cyclones occur per year in the SH. They are more prevalent in winter although their seasonality is more modes..