Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Gombe Strengthens over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Gombe strengthened over the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday morning. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gombe was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 45.6°E which put it about 350 miles (560 km) east of Lumbo, Mozambique. Gombe was moving toward the west 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 992 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe began to intensify after if moved over the Mozambique Channel on Tuesday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Gombe. Microwave satellite images indicated that an eye was forming at the center of Gombe’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Gombe. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the enter of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Gombe will 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 Gombe will intensify during the next 48 hours. Gombe could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Gombe could intensify more rapidly once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall is fully formed. There is a chance Gombe could rapidly intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Gombe toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move toward northeastern Mozambique. Gombe could reach the coast of Mozambique in 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Gombe will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast of Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe Drops Rain on Northern Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gombe dropped rain on northern Madagascar on Tuesday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gombe was located at latitude 15.3°S and longitude 49.0°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of Maroantsetra, Madagascar. Gombe was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h (19 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 1001 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe made landfall on the northeastern coast of Madagascar south of Ambohistralanana on Monday night. The circulation around Gombe exhibited much more organization prior to landfall. A well developed center of circulation was apparent on conventional and microwave satellite images. The center of Tropical Cyclone Gombe was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Gombe. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation at the time of landfall. Tropical Cyclone Gombe weakened slowly after it made landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Gombe toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move across northern Madagascar on Tuesday. Gombe could move over the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday. Tropical Cyclone Gombe will continue to drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Madagascar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move through an environment favorable for intensification when it reaches the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday. Gombe will 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 Gombe is likely to intensify over the Mozambique Channel. Gombe could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe Forms near Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gombe formed near Madagascar on Monday afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gombe was located at latitude 15.6°S and longitude 51.2°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) east of Ambohitralanana, Madagascar. Gombe was moving toward the west-southwest at 6 m.p.h (9 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 998 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system near the northeast coast of Madagascar strengthened on Monday afternoon and Meteo France la Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Gombe. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Gombe’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Gombe. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles in the southwestern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone Gombe. The winds were blowing at less than tropical storm force in the rest of Gombe’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Gombe could intensify during the next few hours. Gombe will weaken after it moves over northern Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Gombe toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Gombe will make landfall on the northeast coast of Madagascar south of Ambohitralanana during Monday night. The center could pass near Maroantsetra on Tuesday.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Madagascar. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Gombe could intensify again later this week when it moves over the Mozambique Channel.

Tropical Cyclone 01B Weakens over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone 01B weakened over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone 01B was located at latitude 11.2°N and longitude 82.8°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) east-southeast of Chennai India. It was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h (6 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 1003 mb.

Tropical Cyclone 01B weakened over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday. The inflow around the western side of the tropical cyclone pulled drier air that was over India into Tropical Cyclone 01B. The drier air circulated around the tropical cyclone and it caused many of the thunderstorms to dissipate. A few thunderstorms persisted in a band northeast of the center of circulation. The other bands consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The dissipation of thunderstorms resulted in a circulation that was present only in the lower atmosphere.

Tropical Cyclone 01B will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However the drier air will continue to inhibit the formation of new thunderstorms. The tropical cyclone will move under the western part of an upper level ridge centered over southeast Asia. The ridge will produce southeast winds that will blow toward the top of the depression. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will also inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone 01B is likely to continue to weaken as the circulation spins down. It could bring rain showers to southern India early next week.

Depression Forms over Bay of Bengal

A depression formed over the Bay of Bengal on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of the depression was located at latitude 9.4°N and longitude 83.4°E which put it about 320 miles (515 km) southeast of Chennai India. It was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h (11 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 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened on Friday morning and the system was classified as a depression by the India Meteorological Department. More thunderstorms develop near the enter of the depression. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the depression.

The depression will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge centered over southeast Asia. The ridge will produce southeast winds that will blow toward the top of the depression. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will inhibit intensification. The depression is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours unless the upper level winds get stronger.

The depression will move south of a high pressure system centered over southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer the depression slowly toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the depression will remain northeast of Sri Lanka and it will move closer to southern India.

Tropical Cyclone Anika Strengthens near Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Anika strengthened near the coast of Western Australia on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 121.1°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Bidyadanga, Australia. Anika was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h (15 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 997 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Pardoo.

Tropical Cyclone Anika strengthened a little near the coast of Western Australia southwest of Bidyadanga on Tuesday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and western sides of the center of Anika. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Anika toward the south-southwest during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Anika could make landfall on the coast of Western Australia near Wallal Downs in less than 12 hours. The high pressure system will steer Anika toward the south-southeast after it makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Anika will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move through are region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anika could strengthen during the next 12 hours. Anika will start to weaken after the center moves back over land.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the coast of Western Australia. A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Pardoo. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the Fitzroy River, the De Grey River and the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vernon continued to churn southeast of Diego Garcia. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vernon was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 84.4°E which put it about 1095 miles (1765 km) southeast of Diego Garcia. Vernon was moving toward the southwest at 7 m.p.h (11 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 994 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anika Moves Back over Water

The center of Tropical Cyclone Anika moved back over water on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 122.5°E which put it about 85 miles (140 km) north of Broome, Australia. Anika was moving toward the west-southwest 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 center of Tropical Cyclone Anika moved back over water near Beagle Bay on Monday night. New thunderstorms began to develop near the center of Anika after the center moved back over water. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands southwest of the center of circulation and northeast of the center. Bands in other parts of Tropical Cyclone Anika consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Anika began to generated more upper level divergence.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Anika toward the southwest during that time period. Anika will move toward the south after it reaches the western end of the high pressure system in 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Anika could make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Bidyadanga and De Grey in 42 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anika will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move through are region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anika will strengthen during the next 24 hours. However a portion of Anika’s circulation will still be over land, which will inhibit intensification.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the coast of Western Australia. A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Beagle Bay to Bidyadanga. The Warning includes Broome. A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to De Grey. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the Fitzroy River, the De Grey River and the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vernon continued to spin east-southeast of Diego Garcia. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vernon was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 87.0°E which put it about 1115 miles (1785 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Vernon was moving toward the south-southwest at 4 m.p.h (6 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 994 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anika Moves along Western Australia Coast

Tropical Cyclone Anika moved along the coast of Western Australia on Sunday afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika was located at latitude 15.2°S and longitude 125.7°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Kalumburu, Australia. Anika was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h (13 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anika moved along the coast of Western Australia on Sunday afternoon. The center of Anika’s circulation was still over land. The strongest winds were occurring in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone Anika, which was still over water. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Anika. The winds over land were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay. The Warning included Cape Leveque and Derby. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Beagle Bay to Bidyadanga. The Watch included Broome.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Anika remained well organized even though the center was over land. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of Anika. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in a bands in the western side of the circulation. There was also a strong band in the eastern periphery of Tropical Cyclone Anika. Bands in other parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Anika toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Anika will continue to move along the coast of Western Australia. Anika will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to places near the coast. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Warnings are in effect for the North Kimberly District and the West Kimberly District. Flood Watches are in effect for the Sandy Desert and for the Fitzroy River. The center of Anika could move back over water southwest of Kuri Bay on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Anika is not likely to strengthen while the center is over land. However, since a portion of Anika’s circulation will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C, it could maintain its current intensity. Tropical Cyclone Anika will move through an area where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Anika could strengthen again, if the center of circulation moves back over water.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vernon weakened east-southeast of Diego Garcia. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vernon was located at latitude 12.4°S and longitude 88.3°E which put it about 1140 miles (1835 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Vernon was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h (09 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anika Hits Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Anika hit Western Australia on Saturday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika was located at latitude 13.8°S and longitude 126.8°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Kalumburu, Australia. Anika was moving toward the southwest at 7 m.p.h (12 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anika made landfall on the coast of Western Australia northeast of Kalumburu on Saturday morning. Anika was intensifying at the time of landfall. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Anika’s circulation and an eye was developing. The developing eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Anika. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of Anika’s circulation.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia and Kuri Bay. The Warning included Wyndham and Kalumburu. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Kuri Bay to Beagle Bay.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Anika toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Anika will move along the coast of Western Australia. Anika will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to places near the coast. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the East, North and West Kimberly River and for the Fitzroy River.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will weaken slowly while it moves along the coast of Western Australia. However, since almost half of Anika’s circulation will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C, the weakening will occur slowly. In addition, Tropical Cyclone Anika will move through an area where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Anika could strengthen again, if the center of circulation moves back over water.

Tropical Cyclone Vernon Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Vernon rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean on Friday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vernon was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 90.3°E which put it about 245 miles (725 km) west-southwest of Cocos Island. Vernon was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h (29 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Vernon rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean west-southwest of Cocos Island on Friday night. A small eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was at the center of Tropical Cyclone Vernon. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Vernon’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Vernon was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Vernon. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Vernon was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.5.

Tropical Cyclone Vernon will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Vernon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge that is west of Australia. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Vernon will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Vernon will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Vernon toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Vernon will move farther away from Cocos Island.