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Extratropical cyclone
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images
Diagram of the United States showing wind rotation patterns in a cyclone and an anticyclone. On the left, arrows circle counterclockwise around a low-pressure center labeled Low to illustrate a cyclone. On the right, arrows circle clockwise around a high-pressure center labeled High to illustrate an anticyclone. The map visually contrasts the opposite wind directions in these two weather systems. Figure 5: Cross section of clouds and precipitation often found along the cross-sectional line in Figure 22D. The direction of frontal movement is indicated by the arrows. A five-panel diagram shows the evolution of a frontal wave cyclone, with blue indicating cold air and red indicating warm air. Arrows illustrate airflow as the system progresses from the initial stage, to wave development, cyclonic circulation, occluded front, and finally dissipation.
Quizzes
Lightning over a farm field. Weather electricity thunderstorm light energy tree
Facts You Should Know: Weather Quiz
Umbrella colored like a rainbow sticking out above a sea of black umbrellas while it rains. (storm, weather)
Weather Words Vocabulary Quiz
rain. Child in the rain, wearing a rain coat, under a yellow umbrella. April Showers weather climate rain storm water drops
April Showers to March’s Lions and Lambs

Extratropical cyclone: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 10, 2026
Added cross-references. Jun 05, 2025
Invalidated site: United States Geological Survey - Extratropical Cyclone. Jan 21, 2020
Diagram added depicting cyclonic and anticyclonic flow in the Northern Hemisphere. Jun 26, 2012
Add new Web site: Environment Canada - Extratropical Transition. Dec 26, 2011
Add new Web site: United States Geological Survey - Extratropical Cyclone. Dec 23, 2011
Article revised and updated. Jun 27, 2007
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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