See the table below for differences between tropical and extratropical cyclones. A hurricane in the north Pacific west of the International Date Line. How tropical and extratropical cyclones differ Tropical cyclone Forms over a tropical ocean. Center of storm is warmer than the surrounding air. Has no fronts.
Strongest winds are near the Earth's surface.
Extratropical cyclone Forms outside the tropics. Center of storm is colder than the surrounding air. Strongest winds in the upper atmosphere.