Sea surface temperature (SST) is known to be the essential fuel that drives tropical cyclone (TC) development and intensification. Because TCs interact with the underlying ocean and decrease SSTs, leaving behind a cold wake, a subsequent TC passing over the same region could encounter the cold wa... Show moreSea surface temperature (SST) is known to be the essential fuel that drives tropical cyclone (TC) development and intensification. Because TCs interact with the underlying ocean and decrease SSTs, leaving behind a cold wake, a subsequent TC passing over the same region could encounter the cold wake left behind by an initial TC. In this study, the effect of a decrease in SST on TC dynamics is analyzed utilizing an axisymmetric, uncoupled model of an idealized TC. To simulate a TC encounter with the cold wake of another TC, a sudden 4ÂșC SST decrease is introduced at various stages throughout the TC lifecycle. Six experiments with SST decrease introduced at different times are compared to understand how storm parameters, such as maximum wind speed, radial wind extent, and integrated kinetic energy change. Simulations show that an idealized TC decreases in intensity in response to an SST decrease and the final intensity converges to a similar value regardless of when in the TC lifecycle the SST cooling is introduced. In addition, changes in storm structure, including radial decreases in tangential wind speed and reflectivity, are observed, with all experiments converging to a similar final size, as with intensity. Lastly, decreases in surface enthalpy fluxes in response to the SST decrease provide an explanation for the simulated changes in intensity and structure. The results of this study emphasize the crucial relationship between surface fluxes and reduced SST in the development of TCs. Show less