Cyclone vs. Anticyclone — What's the Difference?

Often associated with storms and bad weather.

Can lead to heatwaves or cold spells.

Brings cooler air from higher to lower latitudes.

Associated with clear skies and calm conditions.

Can lead to hurricanes or typhoons in severe cases.

A weather system with high atmospheric pressure at its center.

A system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure.

Rotates clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Impactful on both environment and human activities.

Contributes to weather stability.

In meteorology, a cyclone () is a large scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere as viewed from above (opposite to an anticyclone). Cyclones are characterized by inward-spiraling winds that rotate about a zone of low pressure.

An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined as a large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere as viewed from above (opposite to a cyclone). Effects of surface-based anticyclones include clearing skies as well as cooler, drier air.

A system of winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric pressure, with an anticlockwise (northern hemisphere) or clockwise (southern hemisphere) circulation; a depression.

An extensive system of winds spiraling outward from a high-pressure center, circling clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

An atmospheric system characterized by the rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather. Cyclones circulate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

(meteorology) a system of winds that spiral out from a centre of high pressure

A violent tropical storm, especially one originating in the southwestern Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean.

A movement of the atmosphere opposite in character, as regards direction of the wind and distribution of barometric pressure, to that of a cyclone.

A violent rotating windstorm, especially a tornado.

(meteorology) winds spiraling outward from a high-pressure center; circling clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern

Any of various devices using centrifugal force to separate materials.

(broad sense) A weather phenomenon consisting of a system of winds rotating around a center of low atmospheric pressure

(narrow sense) Such weather phenomenon occurring in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean

A low pressure system.

(informal) The more or less violent, small-scale circulations such as tornadoes, waterspouts, and dust devils.

A strong wind.

A cyclone separator; the cylindrical vortex tube within such a separator

To separate using a cyclone separator.

To storm as a cyclone.

To whirl in spirals as a result of a cyclone or whirlwind-like force.

To storm wildly; to be in a frenzy.

A violent storm, often of vast extent, characterized by high winds rotating about a calm center of low atmospheric pressure. This center moves onward, often with a velocity of twenty or thirty miles an hour.

In general, a condition of the atmosphere characterized by a central area of pressure much lower than that of surrounding areas, and a system of winds blowing inward and around (clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the northern); - called also a low-area storm. It is attended by high temperature, moist air, abundant precipitation, and clouded sky. The term includes the hurricane, typhoon, and tropical storms; it should not be applied to the moderate disturbances attending ordinary areas of low pressure nor to tornadoes, waterspouts, or "twisters," in which the vertical motion is more important than the horizontal.

A tornado. See above, and Tornado.

(meteorology) rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center; circling counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern

A violent rotating windstorm

A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, often causing stormy weather.

An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon characterized by a rotation around a center of high atmospheric pressure, typically bringing calm and clear weather.

Yes, cyclones can bring cooler air from higher latitudes towards the equator, affecting the temperature and weather patterns.

The direction of rotation is determined by the Coriolis effect, which is influenced by the Earth's rotation and the hemisphere in which they occur.

Anticyclones form around high-pressure areas where air descends from the atmosphere and spreads out at the surface, leading to clear weather.

Anticyclones are generally associated with calm weather, clear skies, and can sometimes lead to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or cold spells.

Yes, anticyclones can lead to stagnation of air, resulting in reduced air quality and potential heatwaves.

The difference in rotation is due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation.

Cyclones form due to atmospheric disturbances, temperature differences, and the Earth's rotation, leading to low pressure areas where air masses converge and rise.

Cyclones can cause heavy rainfall, storms, hurricanes, flooding, and significant damage to infrastructure and the environment.

Anticyclones can last for several days to weeks, often leading to prolonged periods of stable weather.

A hurricane is a type of cyclone that forms over warm tropical waters and reaches a certain intensity, while cyclones can occur in various regions and may not reach hurricane strength.

Yes, cyclones can be very dangerous, causing severe weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, which can lead to loss of life and property.

Both play significant roles in the Earth's climate system, with cyclones helping to distribute heat and moisture globally, while anticyclones contribute to weather patterns and extremes.

While anticyclones are typically associated with dry weather, certain conditions can lead to precipitation, especially around the edges of the high-pressure system.