Which weather system is bigger, a hurricane or an extra-tropical-cyclone?
To determine which weather system is bigger, a hurricane or an extra-tropical cyclone, we need to understand the characteristics and size criteria of each system.
A hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone, is a powerful, rotating storm that forms over warm ocean waters and has a well-defined center called the eye. It is a type of low-pressure system with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) or higher. Hurricanes are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
On the other hand, an extra-tropical cyclone, also known as a mid-latitude cyclone or a synoptic-scale storm, forms in the mid-latitudes outside the tropics. These cyclones develop from the interaction of contrasting air masses, often producing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and changes in temperature. They can impact regions further away from coastal areas.
In terms of size, hurricanes tend to be smaller but more intense compared to extra-tropical cyclones. The average size of a hurricane is around a few hundred miles (kilometers) in diameter, with a maximum extent of a few hundred miles. Extra-tropical cyclones, in general, are larger and can span thousands of miles (kilometers), covering entire regions.
So, in summary, while hurricanes are smaller but more intense, extra-tropical cyclones are larger in size, covering larger areas.