The extratropical cyclone differs from the tropical cyclone in number of ways.
- The extratropical cyclones have a clear frontal system which is not present in the tropical cyclones.
- Extratropical cyclones cover a larger area and can originate over the land and sea. Whereas the tropical cyclones originate only over the seas and on reaching the land they dissipate.
- The extratropical cyclone affects a much larger area as compared to the tropical cyclone. The wind velocity in a tropical cyclone is much higher and it is more destructive.
- The extratropical cyclones move from west to east but tropical cyclones, move from east to west.
