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