bomb cyclone

noun

plural bomb cyclones

meteorology

: a powerful, rapidly intensifying storm associated with a sudden and significant drop in atmospheric pressure

Tens of thousands of utility workers were working over the weekend after the muscular storm—known as a "bomb cyclone" for its rapid pressure drop—battered neighborhoods from Virginia to Maine.

—Rick Jervis

As incoming air rises around the center of the storm, it gets carried off by the jet stream and that increases the speed of the incoming air. The faster the air moves, the faster the barometric pressure drops. In a really severe nor'easter, the pressure can drop 24 millibars in 24 hours. This is known as a "bomb cyclone."

—Clay Thompson

compare bombogenesis

Examples of bomb cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Generally, the atmospheric pressure of the storm must drop by at least 24 millibars to be classified as a bomb cyclone, the weather service stated. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024

Map shows forecast for bomb cyclone storm developing over the Pacific Northwest CBS News In most regions, if the atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars within 24 hours, it is considered a bomb cyclone. —Nikki Nolan, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024

This unusual weather pattern, influenced by an atmospheric river and the development of a bomb cyclone, promised a dramatic shift in conditions for the region. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

In 2019, a bomb cyclone brought almost hurricane-force winds to the West Coast and rains that flooded San Diego. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above