* Warm water: Hurricanes need warm ocean water (at least 80°F or 26.5°C) to form. The warmest waters are found in the tropics, where the sun's rays hit the Earth at a more direct angle.
* Coriolis effect: The Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is strongest at the equator and weakens as you move towards the poles. For a hurricane to form, the Coriolis effect needs to be strong enough to create the rotation within the storm.
* Low wind shear: Low wind shear, meaning minimal change in wind speed and direction with altitude, is necessary for a hurricane to form and strengthen.
While hurricanes can form as far south as 5° latitude, they are more likely to form at latitudes between 5° and 20°. This is the area where the conditions for hurricane formation are most favorable.
