Tropical Cyclone Zaka

[Somerset Squall]

Invest 93P has transitioned from a subtropical low to a fully tropical cyclone several hundred miles northeast of New Zealand. Zaka has an intensity of 45kts. However, the cyclone does not have much time to strengthen as Zaka is already at 25 degrees south and is not far away from colder waters which will make Zaka lose tropical characteristics on approach to New Zealand. There is potential for high rainfall totals and strong winds similar to Wilma last week.

[J07]

Was it named by Fiji or New Zealand? Must have been very close to 25S when it became a TC...

[Somerset Squall]

Was it named by Fiji or New Zealand? Must have been very close to 25S when it became a TC...

Fiji named it has it formed at 24.2S. It obviously very shortly after left Fiji's AOR.

Zaka, as expected, has weakened today in colder water. Convection has dramatically reduced since yesterday, and the system appears to be dissipating. In warning 2 from the JTWC, they state Zaka was moving at a speed of 22kts, which is about twice the average forward motion for a tropical cyclone. Therefore, Zaka reached colder waters very quickly.