A hurricane gets its energy primarily from warm ocean water. The process begins when surface ocean water is warm, at least about 80°F (26.5°C), causing large amounts of water to evaporate. This evaporation transfers heat energy from the ocean to the atmosphere in the form of water vapor, which rises and cools to form clouds and storms. When the water vapor condenses back into liquid water in the storm clouds, it releases latent heat, which powers the storm by warming the surrounding air, causing it to rise further and draw in more moist air from the ocean surface. This cycle continuously fuels the hurricane's strength and intensifies its winds and rain, making warm ocean water the essential energy source or "fuel" for a hurricane.