Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Understanding the tropical trio: Cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons

09:00
9 March 2024

Tropical trio video
3 forces: Cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons

Tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons are all different names for the same type of storm system - so what is the actual difference?

Here in the UK and Ireland it is not physically possible for us to be in receipt of any tropical systems, because our surrounding waters are simply not warm enough to sustain anything of tropical status.

So where can see tropical systems, and why do they have different names? Meteorologist Tamsin Green dives into the definition behind each system, and what determines their differences.

Myth buster: Hurricanes in UK & Irelandread more

More on the topic

First major storm of the season. Storm Austen named. . . Tuesday, 20 October 2026
On the left, WindRadar shows a storm system over the UK with strong winds. On the right, high waves are crashing against a sea wall. A warning symbol indicates a storm.
Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Storm Austen named

First major storm of the season
Severe flooding in the south of France. Roads become rivers. . . Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Weather radar shows heavy rainfall over southern France, northern Italy, Corsica and Sardinia. A warning symbol indicates a risk of flooding.
Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Roads become rivers

Severe flooding in the south of France
Storm Austen approaches. What to expect tonight. . . Thursday, 22 October 2026
Split image showing a wind map with 65 mph near Brest and a swirling storm south of England, beside a man wearing glasses and holding a microphone.
Thursday, 22 October 2026

What to expect tonight

Storm Austen approaches
All weather news

This might also interest you

A stormy week in the skies above. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 30 August 2026
Split image showing lightning branching beneath dark storm clouds above rooftops on the left and an orange-pink sunset over a calm sea on the right.
Sunday, 30 August 2026

Your weather - Your shots

A stormy week in the skies above
Bright and warm conditions take hold. Spring-like outlook. . . Thursday, 23 April 2026
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday, 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday, 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList