The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)[nb 3] first upgraded the system to a tropical depression with winds of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)[nb 4] on 00:00 UTC of the next day, followed by the JTWC upgrading the storm's chances of developing to "high" and subsequently issuing a TCFA.[10][11][12] By 03:00 UTC of December 13, the JTWC upgraded the system to a weak tropical depression, highly based on Dvorak ratings of T1.5.[13] Nine hours later, the JMA classified the system as a tropical storm based on Dvorak ratings and named the storm Rai.[14] It was not until 15:00 UTC that day when the JTWC did the same to Rai, as it began tracking northwestwards.[15] Three hours later, Rai began to pass south of Ngulu State, while continuing to intensify and organize.[16][17] By December 14 in the early morning, the system was upgraded to a severe tropical storm by the JMA.[18] By 09:00 UTC, the JTWC noted that the system's cloud tops became warm; however, it further organized while tracking towards the small island country of Palau.[19] The storm entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility around 11:00 UTC (19:00 PHT), and was named Odette by the PAGASA.[20][21] Four hours later, Rai began to exhibit an eye which was first seen on microwave images.[22] The JMA further upgraded the system to a typhoon by the next day, followed by the JTWC three hours later as Rai began to take a westward motion under the influence of a subtropical ridge to its north.[23][24] Steady intensification occurred on Rai while moving near the country, reaching high-end Category 1 typhoon by 15:00 UTC.