| ext">The climatic conditions in Cuba are in | | | | The term tropical cyclone is the generic name |
| accordance to those existing in the subtropical | | | | used to designate all the systems of low pressure |
| zones, which tends to be moderate due to the | | | | that are formed in the oceans, in homogeneous |
| proximity of the island to the Tropic of Cancer. | | | | environments, generally in the tropical areas. The |
| Another thing in its favor is the long, narrow | | | | tropical cyclones are accompanied by an ample |
| shape of the island which constantly receives | | | | area of clouds, rains, heavy showers and |
| trade winds and sea breezes. Cuba has a short | | | | lightening. Its surface circulation of winds runs |
| winter, a period filled with masses of cold air | | | | clockwise in the northern hemisphere, occurring all |
| coming from the north. Temperatures range from | | | | the way around in the southern hemisphere. The |
| 20º C to 35º C during the whole year, going | | | | lifecycle of a hurricane can last more than two |
| down in rare occasions to 10º C. The eastern | | | | weeks above the waters of the ocean and the |
| part of the country enjoys warmer temperatures | | | | atmospheric system can cover very long |
| than those registered in the western part, and | | | | distances. Each year, the average number of |
| the variations in temperature between day and | | | | tropical storms formed is around 10 on the |
| night are less marked in the coastal areas than | | | | surface of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, |
| inland. Just off the coast, the average | | | | and the Gulf of Mexico; many of which never |
| temperature of the water is higher than 25º C. | | | | leave the waters of the ocean. |
| Due to its geographic location, Cuba is subject to | | | | Tropical cyclones are classified according to the |
| the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to | | | | speed of the maximum sustained winds |
| November 30th. During that period, these tropical | | | | (averaged by minute) as follows: |
| bodies affect the island, accompanied by winds up | | | | Tropical depression: maximum sustained winds |
| to 200km/h and very strong storms. The season | | | | inferior to 39 mph. |
| precisely coincides with the rainy season in Cuba | | | | Tropical storm: maximum sustained winds |
| (from May to October) opposite the dry season | | | | between 39 mph to 72 mph. |
| that goes from November to April. | | | | |