Summary
Daryl was the last cyclone of the season in the Western Region and had the longest track. From initial development until the post-cyclonic low lost all identity, the system travelled over 2800 km. The initial low developed to the south of the monsoon trough in the vicinity of 9°S 101°E during 6 March. Development was slow, being inhibited by strong shear between low-level southeasterlies and upper-level northwesterly winds. The low moved slowly southeast during 7 and 8 March then turned to the southwest on 9 March.
After cyclone status was reached at 1200 UTC 10 March, Daryl moved on a very consistent southwesterly track and deepened slowly. Severe cyclone status was reached at 1200 UTC 12 March and from GMS imagery an eye was visible between 2100 UTC 12 March and 1200 UTC 14 March. The estimated lowest central pressure of 955 hPa occurred at about 0900 UTC 14 March and then slow weakening commenced.
Daryl passed into the Mauritius forecast area at 0300 UTC 16 March with a central pressure of 990 hPa and almost immediately began to recurve as upper-level northwest winds strengthened ahead of a series of frontal systems. The decaying low re-entered the Western Region at 1300 UTC 18 March embedded in a westerly stream that carried it to 28.2°S, 88.9°E before the low lost its identity on 20 March.
Track and intensity
