Meteorology · Tropical Cyclones — Recurvature
As a tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere moves into the mid-latitudes, it commonly 'recurves' — meaning it:
- AStalls and reverses to the south
- BTurns from a westward/northwestward track toward the north and then northeast✓ Correct
- CAccelerates due west toward the equator
- DSplits into two separate centers
Explanation
Steered by the subtropical ridge at first, NH tropical cyclones track generally west to northwest, then often recurve poleward and to the northeast as they reach the westerlies. The recurvature point is critical for forecasting which coasts and routes are threatened.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), tropical cyclone tracks; WMO
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