Global Tropical Cyclone Tracks and Intensity from 1848

IBTrACS provides position, maximum sustained winds, minimum central pressure, and storm nature for every tropical cyclone globally at 6-hour intervals. The dataset spans from 1848 to the present, synthesized by NOAA NCEI from over 10 international forecast centers. Updates are performed semi-annually following the completion of each hemisphere's cyclone season.

Use Cases

• Analyze long-term trends in cyclone intensity using the `maximum sustained winds` and `minimum central pressure` fields over the 1848-present time range.
• Model and predict cyclone tracks using the `position` data (latitude/longitude) recorded at 6-hour intervals.
• Study storm nature and lifecycle stages via the `storm nature` classification provided for each entry.
• Assess data consensus and uncertainty for specific events using merged statistics like `number of centers tracking the storm` and `range in pressure`.
• Correlate cyclone activity with other climate variables using the global spatial coverage and standardized UTC timestamps.

Strengths

• Global coverage of all tropical cyclones from over 10 international forecast centers.
• Temporal coverage from 1848 to the present, providing over 170 years of data.
• Data is updated semi-annually, following the completion of each hemisphere's cyclone season.

Limitations

• Version 2 is superseded; users are advised against it except for reproducing specific prior studies.
• Data quality and consistency for early records (pre-satellite era) is likely lower than modern entries.
• The 6-hour temporal resolution may miss rapid intensity changes occurring between intervals.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), synthesizing data from official Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers and WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers.

Collection Method

Merged and synthesized from best track data provided by over 10 international forecast centers.

Time Range

1848 to present

Freshness

Updated semi-annually.

Geography

Global