besttrack

Best track, in meteorology, refers to the officially accepted historical record of a tropical cyclone's track and intensity as determined after a season. It represents the most accurate post-season analysis using all available data to estimate the cyclone's center position and maximum sustained winds, as well as minimum central pressure, at regular intervals (typically every six hours). The best-track dataset provides a consistent, long-term reference for research, climatology, and model evaluation.

Across basins, national meteorological agencies compile best-track data, often with basin-specific conventions. In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, the National Hurricane Center maintains the HURDAT2 database. In other regions, agencies such as the Joint Typhoon Warning Center contribute best-track records. International coordination and data integration are supported by IBTrACS (International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship), which aggregates best-track information from multiple centers into a single global archive.

Data sources for best tracks include reconnaissance aircraft observations (where available), satellite estimates, surface and radar observations, ships and buoys, and land-based reports. Analysts review and reconcile these data, performing reanalysis when necessary, to produce the most coherent history of a storm's path and intensity. This process may adjust the cyclone’s reported position, intensity, or timing to reflect the best available evidence.

Best-track data underpin climate studies, trend analyses, hazard assessment, and verification of predictive models. Limitations include uneven historical observation density, methodological differences between agencies, and uncertainties in intensity estimates, especially for weaker or densely instrumented periods. Users should consult accompanying metadata for basin-specific conventions and uncertainties.