Tropical Cyclone Gezani Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

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Tropical Cyclone Gezani intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Madagascar on Tuesday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani was located at latitude 18.1°S and longitude 49.5°E which put the center about 105 miles (165 km) east of Toamasina, Madagascar.  Gezani was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Toamasina, Madagascar on Tuesday morning.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was at the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of Gezani’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gezani generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The small circulation around Tropical Cyclone Gezani was very symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gezani’s circulation.   Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Gezani is 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 34.6. Tropical Cyclone Gezani is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Gezani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani could continue to intensify during the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gezani toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Gezani will reach the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina in a few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it hits the east coast of Madagascar.  Gezani will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to central Madagascar. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani will be capable of causing major damage to central Madagascar.  Widespread outages of electricity are likely.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along parts of the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 2 Hurricane

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Tropical Cyclone Gezani rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of Madagascar on Monday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani was located at latitude 18.2°S and longitude 51.6°E which put the center about 245 miles (395 km) east of Toamasina, Madagascar.  Gezani was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Monday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Gezani’s circulation.  A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of Gezani’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gezani generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Gezani was small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gezani’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Gezani is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 9.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 27.6.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Gezani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani will intensify during the next 12 hours. Gezani could continue to intensify rapidly.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gezani toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Gezani will reach the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina in 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it hits the east coast of Madagascar.  Gezani will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to central Madagascar.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Gezani will be capable of causing major damage to central Madagascar.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along parts of the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Moves Over Western Australia

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Tropical Cyclone Mitchell moved over the coast of Western Australia south of Carnarvon on Monday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 25.8°S and longitude 114.2°E which put the center about 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast of Carnarvon, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast from Carnarvon to Overlander Roadhouse.  The Warning included Denham.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was the equivalent of a tropical storm at the time it moved over the coast of Western Australia.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.

A weather station in Carnarvon, Australia measured a sustained wind speed of 43 m.p.h. (69 km/h) and a wind gust of 63 m.p.h. (102 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the south-southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move inland over Western Australia.  The center of Mitchell’s circulation will pass east of Denham.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the area between Denham and Overlander Roadhouse during the next few hours.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Avon River, the Moore River, the Hill River, the Greenough River, the Murchison River, the Wooramel River, the Linden-Minilya Rivers, and the Yarra Yarra Lakes District.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Moves Toward Madagascar

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Tropical Cyclone Gezani was strengthening on Monday morning as it moved toward the east coast of Madagascar.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani was located at latitude 18.0°S and longitude 53.4°E which put the center about 365 miles (585 km) east of Toamasina, Madagascar.  Gezani was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani was strengthening on Monday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Gezani’s circulation.  A small circular eye was forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of Gezani’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gezani generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Gezani was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Gezani’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move through an environment that will be very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gezani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Gezani could intensify rapidly.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani will strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon in the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gezani toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Gezani will reach the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it hits the east coast of Madagascar.  Gezani will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to central Madagascar.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the east coast of Madagascar near Toamasina.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Passes Near Exmouth

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Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was passing near Exmouth in Western Australia on Sunday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 22.0°S and longitude 113.8°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) north-northwest of Exmouth, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the west-southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast from Onslow to Overlander Roadhouse.  The Warning included Exmouth, Carnarvon, and Denham.  The Warning extended inland to include Gascoyne Junction.

Even though the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell remained offshore, Mitchell was producing strong winds along the coast of Western Australia.  A weather station at the Onslow airport measured a sustained wind speed of 59 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and a wind gust of 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell weakened on Saturday night even though the center of Mitchell remained over water.  Southeasterly winds blowing into the southwestern part of Mitchell’s circulation appeared to pull drier air from the interior of Western Australia into the western side of the circulation.  The drier air caused many of the thunderstorms in the southwestern part of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell to weaken.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the other parts of Mitchell’s circulation.  Since there were fewer thunderstorms near the center of Mitchell, those thunderstorms generated less upper level divergence.  Less upper level divergence meant that the thunderstorms pumped less mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of less mass caused the surface pressure to increase.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell continued to be small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, it will move under the western end of an upper level ridge that is over Australia.  The upper level ridge will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mitchell’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  In addition, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is likely to continue to pull drier air into its circulation.  The combination of more vertical wind shear and drier air will cause Tropical Cyclone Mitchell to weaken slowly during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will make landfall on the coast of Western Australia near Cape Cuvier and Carnarvon in 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will bring strong winds and heavy rain parts of Western Australia near Cape Cuvier and Carnarvon.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Ashburton River, the Fortescue River, the Greenough River, the Murchison River, the Wooramel River, the Pilbara Coastal Rivers, and the Yarra Yarra Lakes District.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Forms North of Mauritius

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Tropical Cyclone Gezani formed over the South Indian Ocean north of Mauritius on Saturday night.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gezani was located at latitude 18.3°S and longitude 56.4°E which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) north-northwest of Port Louis, Mauritius.  Gezani was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean strengthened on Saturday night and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Gezani was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western and northern parts of Gezani’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern and southern parts of Tropical Cyclone Gezani consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Gezani started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Gezani was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Gezani’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gezani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gezani’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will probably not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Gezani is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gezani toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Gezani will approach the east coast of Madagascar early in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

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Tropical Cyclone Mitchell intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon as it moved near the coast of Western Australia on Saturday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 20.3°S and longitude 116.4°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) north-northwest of Karratha, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Whim Creek to Coral Bay.  The Warning included Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Coral Bay to Carnarvon.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Saturday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Michell’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Mitchell generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell increased when Mitchell intensified.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (175 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will intensify during the next 24 hours. .

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will make landfall in the Exmouth Gulf in less than 24 hours.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Onslow and Exmouth.  Mitchell will bring strong winds and heavy rain to locations near the Exmouth Gulf.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Ashburton River, the Fortescue River, the Fitzroy River, the Greenough River, the Murchison River, the Wooramel River, the Pilbara Coastal Rivers, and the Yarra Yarra Lakes District.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Strengthens Near Western Australia

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Tropical Cyclone Mitchell strengthened near the coast of Western Australia on Friday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 119.4°E which put the center about 145 miles (235 km) north-northeast of Port Hedland, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast from De Grey to Mardie.  The Warning included Port Hedland, Karratha, and Dampier.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Onslow to Coral Bay.  The Watch included Exmouth.

A Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Friday morning and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated it as Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was strengthening on Friday morning.  New thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were also revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.  Storms near the center of Mitchell generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will be north of Dampier in 24 hours.

The strongest winds in Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will remain north of the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  Bands in the southern half of Mitchell’s circulation could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Ashburton River, the Fortescue River, the Fitzroy River, and the Pilbara Coastal Rivers.

Tropical Low Prompts Warning for Western Australia

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The potential risk posed by a Tropical Low prompted the Australia Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of a Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 121.5°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) west-northwest of Broome, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek.  The Warning included Port Hedland.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Whim Creek to Exmouth Gulf.  The Watch included Karratha,Dampier, and Onslow.

A low pressure system strengthened on Thursday when it moved over the South Indian Ocean near Broome, Australia.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low.  The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Cyclone 20S.

The Tropical Low started to strengthen on Thursday as soon as it moved over the water in the South Indian Ocean.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the Tropical Low.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to start to decrease.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The Tropical Low will intensify during the next 24 hours.  It could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

The Tropical Low will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will be north of Port Hedland in 24 hours.

The center of the Tropical Low is likely to stay north of the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  Bands in the southern half of the Tropical Low could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to portions of the coast.

Tropical Storm Penha Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Philippines

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Tropical Storm Penha brought wind and rain to the southern Philippines on Thursday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Penha was located at latitude 8.7°N and longitude 126.4°E which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) east of Lianga, Philippines.  Penha was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Penha brought wind and rain to the southern Philippines on Thursday.  Bands in the western side of Penha’s circulation were dropping rain on northern Mindanao, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Cebu, and Negros.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

The area of strongest winds in Tropical Storm Penha was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Penha’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Penha will move around the southern part of the high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Penha toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Penha will move across northern Mindanao during the next few hours.  Penha will reach the Bohol Sea in 12 hours.  Tropical Storm Penha will be over the northern Sulu Sea in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Penha will move into an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Tropical Storm Penha will weaken while the center moves over northern Mindanao.   Penha will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce strong southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Penha’s circulation.  The winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  In addition, Penha will move into a region of drier air by the time it reaches the northern part of the Sulu Sea.  The strong vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Tropical Storm Penha to continue to weaken even when the center gets back of water.