Radius of maximum wind

The reason why this method has merit is that the strongest winds within tropical cyclones tend to be located under the deepest convection, which is seen on satellite imagery as the coldest cloud tops.

In the case of tornadoes, knowledge of the RMW is important as atmospheric pressure change (APC) within sealed buildings can cause failure of the structure.

Most buildings have openings totaling one square foot per 1,000-cubic-foot (28 m3) volume to help equalize air pressure between the inside and outside of the structures.

[7] However, values for RMW produced based on central pressure or maximum wind speed could be substantial scattering around the regression lines.

[12] Tropical cyclones mix the ocean water within a radius three times that of the RMW, which lowers sea surface temperatures due to upwelling.

The radius of maximum wind of a tropical cyclone lies just within the eyewall of an intense tropical cyclone, such as Hurricane Isabel from 2003
Radar imagery of a tornado and associated mesocyclone in Wyoming on 5 June 2009 . Reflectivity data on the left show the rain-free interior of the tornado. Velocity data on the right show where the strongest winds are located.