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Mediterranean tropical cyclones, often referred to as Medicanes,

Background
Tropical cyclone-like systems in the Mediterranean Sea are extremely rare. Sufficient evidence has not been presented to prove these systems are full-fledged tropical systems, as some previously recorded cyclones share more characteristics with polar lows than regular tropical cyclones. A cyclonic system in January 1995 resembled a tropical cyclone in several aspects — it featured an eye and a warm core. Experiments revealed that heat and moisture were abundant at the time of formation of the 1995 cyclone, and were vital in its development. However, baroclinic instability did not appear to have been a major factor in its formation, although it formed near a baroclinic zone.

The origins of Mediterranean tropical cyclones can usually be traced to deep cut-off cold-core low pressure systems. These systems usually featured deep convection and strong winds. In contrast to normal tropical cyclones, Mediterranean storms remain at a minimal size and usually do not exceed a weak intensity. Medicanes usually feature weak rotation at the time of formation, which increases dramatically as they evolve, along with an increase in size. However, of seven cyclones studied, none exceeded 500 km in diameter.

Using a simulated cloud model, it has been noted that a slight increase in humidity can result in a much more intense cyclone. In addition, the formation is accelerated, being reduced from the original simulation of 4 days to 2 days. It is also proven that unlike regular tropical cyclones, high sea surface temperatures are not vital in medicanes. Medicanes usually evolve under the influence of troughs in the upper troposphere. The environment in the Mediterranean is usually too dry, although if an upper-level cut-off low moves into the area, the cold air brought with it must rise to keep steady, creating a cool, humid, environment. The high temperatures of the Mediterranean's reaction with the cool air associated with the low creates a situation in which tropical cyclone-like have potential to develop.

A study concluded that warmth generated by the ocean were not an essential in the development of a Mediterranean cyclone in September 1996. In addition, it was evaluated that the upper-level trough played a crucial role in the evolution of a cyclone.

January 14–18, 1995
The origins of the 1995 cyclone trace to an abnormally deep upper-atmospheric cut-off low located to the west of a larger surface cyclone.

September 26–27, 2006
http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/2008MWR2512.1