TROPICAL STORM ODETTE, 9-16 July 

(tropical depression outside of the season)

     Significant cloud masses, unusual for the season, were found to
the north of the Alizes since the beginning of the month.  This
concerned the area between 5.0 and 10.0 degrees South.

     On the 8th, weak low pressure activity formed to the north-
east of Diego-Garcia.  On the 9th, the depression was confirmed.

     On the 10th, the system had reached stage C, and passed
south of Diego-Garcia.

     On the 11th, the system reached stage C+ and moved rapidly to
the south-south-east (22 km/h=12 kts).

     On the 12th,13th, and 14th, the anticyclone of the Indian
Ocean strengthened (1037 mb) and moved rapidly toward the east; it
was located north of New Amsterdam.  The depression was blocked from
moving south, and began moving toward the west, to the north of
parallel 17.0 degrees South.

     On the 15th, tropical system Odette merged into an
existing air flow, and at a speed of 22 km/h, it moved toward
the west-north-west, dissipating all the while.

     On the 16th, Odette continued west-north-west at a speed of 36
km/h.  The system was already extremely weakened and had completely
disappeared according to the satellite photos taken on the 17th.

Influence on the Chagos, particularly Diego-Garcia:
     Little influence, with the exception of moderate winds. The
system was at the early stages of its development as it passed
by the isles on July 9th at 1200 UT.
     minimum pressure: 1001.4 mb (751.1 mm)
     maximum wind gust: 115 km/h (62 kt)

No influence on the Mascareignes.