1. Mid-Latitude Cyclones

Characteristics:

• Low-pressure systems with warm and cold fronts
• Develop between 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres
• Clockwise rotation in Southern Hemisphere, counterclockwise in Northern Hemisphere
• Diameter ranges from 1500 to 3000 km
• Travel from west to east at speeds of 50-60 km/h

Development Stages:

1. Initial Stage:

Stationary polar front with contrasting air masses

2. Development Stage:

Wave formation on polar front, low pressure develops

3. Mature Stage:

Well-defined warm and cold sectors, intensifying low pressure

4. Occlusion Stage:

Cold front overtakes warm front, system begins to decay

Associated Weather Patterns:

Weather varies depending on the sector and stage of development:

• Warm Sector: Mild temperatures, light rain or drizzle, overcast skies
• Cold Front: Sharp temperature drop, heavy rainfall, possible thunderstorms