An upper-level low moved eastward in the southern Mediterranean Sea through September 14. On that day, a low-pressure area began to develop over the Gulf of Sidra, beginning tropical cyclogenesis by forming a warm core at the surface.[4] The cyclone quickly developed in the subsequent hours while slowly moving northwest with a wind speed of around 50 km/h (31 mph).[5] By 15 September, it had intensified to 65 km/h (40 mph), with a minimum pressure of 1,010 hPa (30 inHg), with further development predicted over the coming days.