Understanding the "Bomb Cyclone": What It Is and Why It Matters
Understanding the “Bomb Cyclone”: What It Is and Why It Matters When severe weather dominates the headlines, you’ll often hear the term “Bomb Cyclone” thrown around. But what exactly is a bomb cyclone, and why does it warrant so much attention? In simple terms, a Bomb Cyclone refers to a weather phenomenon where a storm rapidly intensifies, dropping its central pressure by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. This rapid intensification is what gives it the ‘bombing’ characteristic. The Science Behind Rapid Intensification This dramatic intensification, also known as meteorological bombogenesis, occurs when a storm system draws in air of different temperatures and humidity levels. As these air masses collide and interact, they can release a significant amount of energy. This process is similar to how a hurricane forms but can happen with extratropical cyclones – those that typically form outside of the tropics. There are a few key ingredients that contribute to the forma...