Is It Really Sunny Inside the Typhoon Eye? Can You Go Out When It Passes?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-07-18
The Typhoon Eye: A "False Calm" at the Storm's Center
Many people have heard that the typhoon eye is "calm and windless" or even "sunny." This has some basis in meteorology. Located at the center of a tropical cyclone, the typhoon eye experiences extremely low pressure and sinking air currents because the high-speed rotating airflow from the periphery cannot penetrate the center due to centrifugal force. These sinking air currents suppress cloud and rain formation, resulting in thin clouds within the eye, where blue sky or even stars may be visible. Wind speeds also drop significantly, sometimes becoming nearly still.
However, this "sunny weather" is highly deceptive. First, the diameter of a typhoon eye is typically only tens of kilometers, meaning it passes over any given affected area very quickly—often lasting only ten minutes to an hour. Second, not all typhoons have a clear eye structure. Only intense, mature tropical cyclones (such as severe typhoons or super typhoons) tend to develop distinct eyes. Weaker typhoons or systems with loose structures may still experience heavy wind and rain at their centers. Therefore, do not blindly believe the notion that "there is no rain in the eye"; always rely on real-time weather forecasts for judgment.
Why Is It Strictly Prohibited to Go Out When the Typhoon Eye Passes?
When the typhoon eye passes over your area, although the wind and rain temporarily cease, this does not mean the danger has passed. In fact, it may be the most dangerous moment. Going outside poses significant safety hazards:
- The Return Winds Are More Fierce: Typhoons rotate counterclockwise (in the Northern Hemisphere). After the first half of the storm passes, the second half follows immediately. The wind direction in the second half is opposite to that of the first, and due to a steeper pressure gradient, the winds are often stronger and more destructive than before.
- Extremely Vulnerable Environment: After being battered by the first half of the typhoon, outdoor objects such as trees, billboards, and utility poles may already be damaged or unstable. Once the strong winds of the second half arrive, these objects are highly likely to collapse, causing injury.
- Visual Misleading: The brief calm and potential sunlight can create the illusion that "the typhoon has passed," leading people to lower their guard. If you stay outdoors, you risk being trapped by the sudden return of violent winds and heavy rain, facing dangers such as drowning, being struck by debris, or being blown over.
According to the National Standard for Tropical Cyclone Grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), an active typhoon warning signal indicates a serious threat. Specific criteria for school and work suspensions may vary by location, so please follow local government announcements. Under any circumstances, as long as the meteorological authorities have not officially lifted the alert, residents should remain in safe indoor areas, keep windows and doors tightly closed, stay away from glass windows, and never go outside due to a temporary lull.
Respond Scientifically, Prioritize Safety
The core principle when facing a typhoon is "avoidance." During the typhoon's impact, closely monitor official weather warnings. If you are in an area where the typhoon eye is passing, use this brief period to check household supplies and reinforce windows and doors, rather than going outside. Only venture out cautiously after the meteorological department has explicitly issued a signal lifting the typhoon warning and confirmed that the external environment is safe.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be checked at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.