Batsirai resumed its intensification after upgrading to a severe tropical storm status at 06:00 UTC the next day.[22] Nine hours later, the JTWC upgraded to a Category 1 tropical cyclone.[23] At 03:00 UTC of 30 January, the JTWC further upgraded to a Category 2 tropical cyclone after noting a well-defined central dense overcast (CDO) and a microwave eye feature.[24] The MFR further upgraded it to a tropical cyclone status at midday.[25] Three hours later, the JTWC upgraded to a Category 3 tropical cyclone, as its eyewall had expanded and also developed a 5 nmi (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) wide pinhole-eye.[26] However it was short lived and it re-declined to a Category 1 status by 03:00 UTC of 1 February, as its pinhole-shaped eye just collapsed shortly and its eyewall became disorganized.