What temperature is required for the development of a tropical cyclone?

The development of a tropical cyclone primarily requires warm ocean waters to a depth of about 50 meters. A temperature of at least 26.5 degrees Celsius is crucial because it provides the necessary heat and moisture to fuel the storm. When the sea surface temperature exceeds this threshold, it allows for significant evaporation, which contributes to the warm, moist air necessary for the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones.

As warm air rises, it creates an area of lower pressure beneath it. This process initiates further evaporation and more warm air rising, leading to the development of a cyclone's characteristic structure. The energy released from the condensation of water vapor in the rising air drives the storm's strength. Temperatures lower than 26.5 degrees Celsius typically do not provide sufficient energy for the cyclone to develop effectively, thus making this temperature threshold critical for the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones.