Tropical Cyclone Chenge strengthened as it moved over the South Indian Ocean on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge was located at latitude 9.2°S and longitude 66.6°E which put the center about 400 miles (645 km) west-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Chenge was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge strengthened almost to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Monday.  Stronger thunderstorms developed near the center of Chenge’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in the bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge.  Storms near the center of Chenge generated more upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Chenge became more symmetrical when Chenge strengthened on Monday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Chenge’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Chenge will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the northern side 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 Chenge’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Chenge could continue to intensify during he next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Chenge toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Chenge could be north of Madagascar by the end of the week.