The latest satellite-based advancements on the characterization of potential Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones

The present work analyzes three Mediterranean cyclones (i.e., Helios, Juliette and Daniel) that occurred between February and September 2023. The analysis is mainly carried out using satellite passive microwave (PMW) measurements from different radiometers, which allow to monitor and to characterize the thermodynamic and microphysics characteristics during the cyclones’ life time, in particular the occurrence of a warm core and deep convection. Moreover, the surface wind field is characterized by exploiting all the available scatterometers onboard LEO satellites (MetOp ASCAT and FY-3E WindRAD) highlighting the differences between the developing and the mature stage of the cyclones. Finally, a preliminary analysis about the role of dynamics and air-sea interaction processes favoring the tropical-like transition is also carried out.