Can tropical cyclones exist near the Equator?

Abstract Tropical cyclones (TCs) rarely form within about 5 degrees of latitude of the Equator due to the weak Coriolis force, yet it is not clear how a weak Coriolis force would affect an already developed TC vortex. In this study, a set of Coriolis parameter () sensitivity experiments are applied to a well‐developed TC vortex in idealized simulations by decreasing to zero, both abruptly and gradually. The simulated TCs weaken due to the reduction of . However, depending on the initial intensity, it can take several days for the TC to decay to a tropical storm. Both radial inflow and outflow strengthen throughout the cyclone depth, because of decreasing inertial stability and increasing agradient force associated with reduced . This further causes a deeper inflow layer and strengthened downdrafts associated with convection in the outer rainbands. The downdraft entrainment of mid‐level dry air into the deeper inflow layer stabilizes the boundary layer and suppresses deep convection, ultimately resulting in the weakening of TCs. Although TCs are not formed readily near the Equator, if they are steered there they could potentially exist long enough to cause damage.