Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Strengthens East of Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai strengthened again east of Madagascar on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 19.5°S and longitude 52.2°E which put it about 210 miles (345 km) east-southeast of Toamasina, Madagascar. Batsirai was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai intensified again on Friday morning after it completed another eyewall replacement cycle. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was present at the center of Batsirai. 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 Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was a large tropical cyclone after several eyewall replacement cycles. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 215 miles (345 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.5.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai could intensity during the next 24 hours unless another eyewall replacement cycle starts.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will hit the east coast of Madagascar near Mahanoro in 24 hours. Batsirai is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Madagascar. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods especially in regions of steep mountains. Batsirai could also cause a serious storm surge along the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Moves Toward Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai moved toward Madagascar on Thursday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 19.5°S and longitude 53.6°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) northwest of St. Denis, La Reunion. Batsirai was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 949 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai appeared to be nearing the completion of another eyewall replacement cycle on Thursday night. The inner eyewall consisted mostly of a small ring of showers and lower clouds. A much larger eye was evident on satellite images. The outer eyewall consisted of 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 larger eye. Storms near the core of Batsirai’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The completion of another eyewall replacement cycle caused the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Batsirai to increase in size again. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 225 miles (365 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.5.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai could weaken during the next few hours while it fully completes the eyewall replacement cycle. Batsirai could strengthen again after it completes the eyewall replacement cycle.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could reach the east coast of Madagascar south of Toamasina in 36 hours. Batsirai is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Madagascar. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods especially in regions of steep mountains. Batsirai could also cause a serious storm surge along the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Drops Heavy Rain on La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai dropped heavy rain on La Reunion on Thursday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 19.2°S and longitude 54.6°E which put it about 95 miles (150 km) north-northwest of St. Denis, La Reunion. Batsirai was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai dropped very heavy rain over La Reunion on Thursday morning. A weather station at La Nouvelle reported 516.7 mm (20.34 inches) of rain. Batsirai moved slowly during the past 18 hours. The slow movement caused persistent easterly winds to blow up the eastern sides of mountains. The persistent rising motion produced very heavy rain on the eastern slopes. The very heavy rain was likely causing widespread flash floods. The heavy rain will continue until Tropical Cyclone Batsirai moves farther away from La Reunion.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai appeared to have concentric eyewalls based on radar images from La Reunion and on satellite images. A small inner eye and eyewall was present inside a larger outer eyewall. The inner eyewall was weakening, but it was still visible on radar and satellite images. Eventually, the inner eyewall will dissipate and the strongest winds will occur in the outer eyewall. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Batsirai’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Batsirai contracted slightly. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.5.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai is likely to weaken during the next few hours while it completes the eyewall replacement cycle. Batsirai could strengthen again after it completes the eyewall replacement cycle.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to La Reunion during the next 12 hours. The heaviest rain will continue to fall on the eastern slopes of mountains where the winds were blowing up the slopes. Continued heavy rain could cause devastating flash floods in some locations. Weather conditions on La Reunion will improve gradually when Batsirai moves farther away. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could reach the east coast of Madagascar south of Toamasina in 48 hours. Batsirai is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Passes North of La Reunion

The center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai passed north of La Reunion on Wednesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 55.4°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) north of St. Denis, La Reunion. Batsirai was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai appeared to be in the midst of another eyewall replacement cycle on Wednesday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the inner eye and eyewall. A second, larger eyewall surrounded the inner eyewall and the inner eyewall started to weaken. The outer eyewall contained 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 Batsirai. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai continued to have a large circulation. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 21.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 46.6.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai is likely to weaken during the next few hours while it completes the eyewall replacement cycle. Batsirai could strengthen again after it completes the eyewall replacement cycle.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to La Reunion during the next 12 hours. Rainbands in the southeastern part of Batsirai’s circulation were also dropping heavy rain over Mauritius. The heaviest rain was falling on the eastern slopes of mountains where the winds were blowing up the slopes. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Weather conditions on La Reunion and Mauritius will improve gradually when Batsirai moves farther away. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could approach the east coast of Madagascar south of Toamasina in 48 hours. Batsirai is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Brings Wind and Rain to Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai brought wind and rain to Mauritius on Wednesday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 19.0°S and longitude 56.3°E which put it about 90 miles (145 km) north-northwest of Port Louis, Mauritius. Batsirai was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 931 mb.

The core of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai passed north of Mauritius on Wednesday, but it still brought wind and rain. A weather station at Champ de Mars, near Port Louis, reported a wind speed of 94 m.p.h. (151 km/h). Another weather station near Port Louis at Bell Village reported 6.01 inches (152.7 mm) of rain.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai appeared to undergo an eyewall replacement cycle. The tiny inner eyewall dissipated and a new larger eye was apparent on satellite images. Batsirai may have been near Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale before the inner eyewall dissipated. The new 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 Batsirai. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Batsirai increased during the eyewall replacement cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 215 miles (345 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 29.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 53.0.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai weakened after the eyewall replacement cycle, but it could strengthen again since the inner core is still intact. There is a chance that Batsirai could reach Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. Weather conditions on Mauritius will improve gradually as Batsirai moves farther away. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will pass north of La Reunion during the next 24 hours. Although the strongest winds in Batsirai will pass north of La Reunion, it could experience strong winds and locally heavy rain. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could reach the east coast of Madagascar within 60 hours. Batsirai is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 18.3°S and longitude 57.9°E which put it about 155 miles (250 km) northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Batsirai was moving toward the southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday night. The core of Batsirai contracted around a tiny pinhole eye. 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 Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of that much mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai increased in size as it intensified rapidly. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 46.6.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Batsirai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The ridge will produced easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Batsirai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear could inhibit additional intensification. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could begin. If an eyewall replacement cycle occurs Tropical Cyclone Batsirai is likely to weaken, at least temporarily.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will pass north of Mauritius during the next 12 hours. Although the strongest winds in Batsirai will pass north of Mauritius, it could experience tropical storm force winds and locally heavy rain. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will be north of La Reunion in 24 hours. Batsirai could reach the east coast of Madagascar within 72 hours. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could still be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Churns Northeast of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai churned northeast of Mauritius on Tuesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 17.4°S and longitude 59.7°E which put it about 270 miles (440 km) northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Batsirai was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 966 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai intensified slowly over the Southwest Indian Ocean northeast of Mauritius on Tuesday morning. A small circular eye was present at the center of Batsirai’s circulation. 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 Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The core of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai contracted on Tuesday morning, but the overall size of the circulation increased. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.1.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Batsirai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The ridge will produced easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Batsirai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear could inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Batsirai could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next day or two.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will pass north of Mauritius during the next 24 hours. Although the strongest winds in Batsirai will pass north of Mauritius, it could experience tropical storm force winds and locally heavy rain. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could be north of La Reunion in 36 hours. Batsirai could reach the east coast of Madagascar within 72 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Passes North of Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai passed north of Rodrigues on Sunday night. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 15.7°S and longitude 62.9°E which put it about 495 miles (795 km) northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Batsirai was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai passed north of Rodrigues on Sunday night. The circulation around Batsirai remained well organized. A small circular eye was at the center of Batsirai’s circulation. 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 Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Batsirai increased in size on Sunday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.3.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Batsirai will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The ridge will produced easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Batsirai’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear could inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could strengthen during the next 24 hours. Batsirai could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next day or two.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could be north of Mauritius in 48 hours. Batsirai could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it is north of Mauritius. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could approach La Reunion in 60 hours. Batsirai could also eventually affect Madagascar later next week.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Intensifies Northeast of Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai intensified northeast of Rodrigues on Sunday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 65.7°E which put it about 255 miles (410 km) northeast of Rodrigues. Batsirai was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai continued to intensify on Sunday morning. A small circular eye was present at the center of Batsirai’s circulation. 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 Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Storms near the core of the circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was still small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.9.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai is likely to continue to intensify. Batsirai could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will pass north of Rodrigues during the next 24 hours. The core of Batsirai will pass north of Rodrigues, but it could still bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could approach Mauritius and La Reunion in 48 hours. Batsirai could be the equivalent of a major hurricane at that time. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could also eventually affect Madagascar later next week.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Strengthens Back to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai strengthened back to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean on Saturday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 69.5°E which put it about 420 miles (695 km) east of Rodrigues. Batsirai was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 982 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai strengthened from a tropical storm back to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Saturday morning. Microwave satellite images showed that a new pinhole eye had formed at the center of Batsirai’s circulation. The tiny eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the tiny core of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. The circulation around Batisirai continued to be very small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 10 miles (15 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Batsirai 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 Batsirai is likely to continue to intensify during the next 48 hours. It could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane by early next week.

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Batsirai toward the west during the next few days. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could be just north of Rodrigues in less than 48 hours. If the core of Batsirai stays north of Rodrigues, it could still bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai could approach Mauritius in three and a half days. Batsirai could also eventually affect La Reunion and Madagascar later next week.