Tropical Cyclone Halima weakened over the South Indian Ocean south of Diego Garcia on Saturday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Halima was located at latitude 20.0°S and longitude 76.4°E which put it about 890 miles (1440 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia. Halima was moving toward the southeast at 17 m.p.h (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Halima weakened on Saturday when it moved into an environment that included more vertical wind shear. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean produced northwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Halima’s circulation. Those winds produced moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear affected the structure of Tropical Cyclone Halima. The former small eyewall became fragmented. In addition, the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Halima’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Halima. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Halima will move through an environment that will continue to be unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Halima will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. However, the upper level trough will continue to produce moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Halima to continue to weaken during the next 36 hours.

The upper level trough will continue to steer Tropical Cyclone Halima toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Halima will move farther away from Diego Garcia.