The center had became better defined with low-level clouds converging towards it in a defined circular pattern, suggesting that a closed circulation had formed.[12] The MFR further upgraded it to a tropical depression at 12:00 UTC the same day, as it continued to improve its convective structure along its low-level center.[13] After its convective activity was briefly interrupted after 18:00 UTC due to dry air,[14] the JTWC recognized the system as a tropical cyclone at 03:00 UTC the next day.[15]