Cyclone Jude, a low-pressure system, has wreaked havoc in the south of the Chagos Islands since the 6th March 2025. It was upgraded to a depression on March 7.
According to Météo-France, Jude formed over the Mozambique Channel on Saturday, the 8th of 2025.
Jude is now located approximately 302 km east of Nacala, Mozambique, expected to move west-southwestward at 19 km/h (10 knots).
The storm has wind speed estimated at 65 km/h (40 mph) and is expected to intensify rapidly over the next 36 hours, to 150 km/h (80 knots).
Environmental conditions in Nacala, including very warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shear, and strong outflow, are conducive to Jude’s intensification.
Authorities in neighboring Malawi are preparing for effects of Jude, expected to bring heavy rains and wind on Monday, the 10th March 2025.
Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs in the Republic of Malawi, said in a statement, parts of Malawi are expected to receive 100mm in 24 hours.
Residents in certain districts (Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mwanza, Neno, Ntsanje, Ntcheu, Phalombe, Thyolo and Zomba) are advised to move you safer areas higher up, avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water.
Malawi has also activated a national emergency operation Centre, making standby arrangements and deployments of the army, the police, marine and rescue teams including the Red Cross Society.
Maps courtesy JTWC & Meteo-France