Tropical Cyclone Anggrek weakened over the South Indian Ocean west of Cocos Islands on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 12.3°S and longitude 91.7°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) west of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

The slow meandering motion of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek allowed the winds near the surface of the South Indian Ocean to mix cooler water to the surface. The cooler water reduced the flow of energy from the surface to the atmosphere. Thunderstorms in the northeastern, southeastern and southwestern parts of Anggrek’s circulation weakened. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. The remnant of the eye was still evident at the center of Anggrek. However, the remnant eye was surrounded a ring that consisted mostly of lower clouds.

The dissipation of many of the thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Anggrek also affected the distribution of wind speeds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (250 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Anggrek’s circulation. Winds speeds to tropical storm force only extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek 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 over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Anggrek’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification but the shear might not be enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system west of Australia. The high pressure system west of Australia will steer Anggrek toward the southwest during the week 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will gradually move farther west of Cocos Islands.