A Category 1 tropical cyclone has been confirmed by the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) to be forming near New Caledonia. The regional authority for cyclone naming, Fiji Met, has identified the weather system as Tropical Depression TD06F.
Fiji Met reported that TD06F is currently a slow-moving tropical depression. While the cyclone is experiencing conditions of good upper-level divergence and low to moderate wind shear, there are insufficient favorable factors for significant development at this time. They highlighted that deep convection associated with the depression is displaced to the northwest of its low-level circulation center, compounded by dry air coming in from the southwest.
With sea surface temperatures around the cyclone estimated at 28 degrees Celsius, the weather office indicated that the system is being guided southeastward by a near-equatorial ridge, which is expected to persist for the next 24 hours. Forecasts based on global models suggest minimal intensification for TD06F, with the likelihood of it developing into a stronger cyclone very low over the next 48 hours.
Importantly, Fiji Met has emphasized that TD06F poses no threat to Fiji, assuring residents that the situation remains under control. The development of this cyclone serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tropical systems, yet current assessments are allowing for calm and safety in the region.
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