Summary
Severe Tropical Cyclone Ikola formed during an active phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Indian Ocean. The low developed in the La Reunion area of responsibility (AOR) on 4 April and tracked steadily south southeast reaching cyclone strength around 0600 Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) (1400 Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)=UTC+8 hours) 5 April 2015. The cyclone crossed 90oE around 1200 UTC 6 April into the Perth AOR. At this time the cyclone's eye was evident on satellite imagery. Ikola reached a 10-minute mean wind peak intensity of 95 knots (kn) (176 kilometres per hour (km/h)) around 0000 UTC 7 April. From time onwards, the cyclone weakened quickly as increased vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures (SSTs) affected Ikola. The system weakened below tropical cyclone strength early on 8 April and dissipated quickly.
For more information see the TC Ikola Report (pdf).
Track and Intensity
