The tropical depression which was evolving to the north-north-east of Rodrigues on Thursday 15 intensified into a moderate tropical storm during the night and was named Djoungou at 22h00.
Evolving in a favourable environment, Djoungou has intensified into a severe tropical storm during the day. At 10h00, it was centered near latitude 16.2 degrees south and longitude 65.9 degrees east, that is at a distance of about 450
km to the north-east of Rodrigues. It is moving in a general south-easterly direction at a speed of about 12 km/h.
Most weather models indicate that Djoungou will continue to develop further and it is very likely that it will reach the tropical cyclone intensity by tonight. It does not represent a threat since it will continue to move away from the Mascarenes Islands towards the south-east.
Another low-level circulation can be depicted off the north-east coast of Madagascar in the satellite imagery of this morning. Most weather models are further developing this low-pressure as from early next week while moving it
eastward, thus, approaching our region. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the intensity and movement of the low. There is a low probability that this system may reach the naming stage by Tuesday 20 February 2024.
The Mauritius Meteorological Services is keeping a close watch on the evolution of this system.
Weather outlook for Friday 16 to Monday 19 February, 2024
Mauritius
Mauritius:
Passing showers, mainly to the East, the South and the Central Plateau. The showers are likely to be more frequent on Saturday
Wind will blow from the east-southeasterly at a speed of about 25 km/h with peaks of 50 km/h.
St-Brandon
St Brandon:
Occasional showers.
Wind southerly 25km/h with peaks of 50 km/h, becoming southeasterly as from Saturday
Rodrigues
Rodrigues:
Rather cloudy on Friday and Saturday with passing showers, improving gradually on Sunday as the Djoungou moves away.
Wind easterly 45 km/h with gusts of the order of 90 km/h.
The open sea will be rough to very rough with swells and wave heights of the order of 5 meters are expected.
