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
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The latter carries the greatest potential for a bomb cyclone. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 The Pacific Northwest, which has played host to a series of surly atmospheric rivers and a bomb cyclone in recent days, should finally quiet down. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024 Bomb Cyclone Root of Many Potential Issues The confluence of this recent bomb cyclone with an atmospheric river system in the Pacific Northwest sets up a particularly unsettled scenario in that region of the country and moving eastward. Jim Foerster, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 When an atmospheric river and bomb cyclone occur at the same time, a major weather event is expected. Nikki Nolan, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bomb cyclone 

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bomb cyclone was in 1987

Dictionary Entries Near bomb cyclone

Cite this Entry

“Bomb cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bomb%20cyclone. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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