What is the direction of air flow in a cyclonic system?

In a cyclonic system, air flow is characterized by a counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. This rotation is a result of the Coriolis effect, which influences moving air to turn as it flows. In the Northern Hemisphere, air flowing toward the low-pressure center of the cyclone is deflected to the right, resulting in a counterclockwise pattern. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the deflection occurs to the left, leading to a clockwise flow.

The counterclockwise flow in the Northern Hemisphere is a defining feature of cyclonic systems, making it essential to understand how these systems operate, especially in weather forecasting and analysis.