Tropical Cyclone “Dineo” forms in Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone "Dineo" formed near Bassas da India atol in the Mozambique Channel, Southern Indian Ocean on February 13, 2017. This the fifth tropical cyclone of the 2016/17 Southern hemisphere cyclone season. Dineo is expected to rapidly intensify over the next 36 hours and make landfall over Inhambane, southern Mozambique during the early UTC hours of February 16.

At 15:00 UTC on February 13, Dineo was located approximately 89 km (55 miles) NNW of Europa Island and has tracked SSW at 3.7 km/h (2.3 mph) over the past six hours, JTWC said. Animated multispectral satellite imagery depicts a consolidating low-level circulation center with deep convective banding wrapping into the partially-exposed center.

Credit: METEOSAT, NOAA

At the time, its intensity was assessed at 74 km/h (46 mph) based on surface observations from Europa Island and Advanced SCATterometer image.

Overall, the environment is favorable for intensification with near-radial outflow, low to moderate vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperature near 30 °C (86 °F).

Tropical Cyclone "Dineo" on February 13, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS

Tropical Cyclone "Dineo" forecast track by JTWC on February 13, 2017

After 36 hours, around 03:00 UTC on February 15, Dineo will turn westward to west-northwestward. 

Its current forecast track indicates landfall along the east coast of Mozambique around 03:00 UTC on February 16 and dissipation over land during the UTC afternoon of February 18.

Tropical Cyclone "Dineo" satellite image at 12:00 UTC on February 13, 2017. Credit: EUMETSAT, JTWC/SATOPS

There is still uncertainty in the exact location of this potential landfall, with accuracy around 400 km (250 miles), RSMC La Reunion said at 18:00 UTC today.

"A strong and continuous intensification is expected until its possible landfall," they concluded.

Update: 

Dineo hits Mozambique, leaves a trail of destruction and 4 dead

Featured image: Tropical Cyclone "Dineo" on February 13, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS