Tropical Cyclone Faraji formed over the South Indian Ocean on Friday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Faraji was located at latitude 12.7°S and longitude 81.2°E which put it about 710 miles (1145 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Faraji was moving toward the south at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 997 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Faraji was organizing quickly on Friday morning. Numerous thunderstorms developed around the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Faraji. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Faraji will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days. Faraji will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the southeastern Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce northerly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Faraji will continue to intensify. Faragi could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 24 hours. It could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 72 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Faraji will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the southeastern Indian Ocean. The high will steer Faraji toward the south during the next 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Faraji is likely to move more toward the east next week after it moves around the southwestern part of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track Faraji will move farther away from Diego Garcia.