Tropical Cyclone Calvinia Develops East of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Calvinia developed east of Mauritius on Sunday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Calvinia was located at latitude 20.7°S and longitude 58.7°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius.  Calvinia was moving toward the southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A distinct low level center of circulation developed in an area of thunderstorms east of Mauritius on Sunday and the system was designated at Tropical Cyclone Calvinia.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Calvinia was asymmetrical.  Many of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands on the eastern side of the circulation.  Bands north and west of the center of Calvinia consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  The distributions of strong winds around the tropical cyclone was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) on the eastern side of the circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 60 miles (95 km) on the western side.

Tropical Cyclone Calvinia will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Calvinia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C.  It will move east of an upper level trough.  The trough will produce northwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  The winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they are probably the reason for the asymmetrical structure of Tropical Cyclone Calvinia.  Calvinia could strengthen during the next several days, but the wind shear is likely to prevent significant intensification.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Calvinia toward the southeast.  On its anticipated track Calvinia will move away from Mauritius and La Reunion.  Since Tropical Cyclone Calvinia will be east of Mauritius, the strongest part of the circulation will remain east of Mauritius and La Reunion.