In addition to the named storms, the MFR also tracked four tropical depressions, named A1, A2, A3, and G1. In general, the monsoon was weaker than normal within the basin, which provided less flow across the equator to spawn tropical cyclones. As a result, there was a marked decrease in overall activity compared to the 1989–90 season. The MFR issued 198 cyclone bulletins during the season, a 40% decrease over the previous year. Many of the storms formed at the edge of satellite coverage. A southward-moving anticyclone influenced the monsoon trough to spawn a tropical disturbance on January 8, located east of Diego Garcia. The system moved to the east without much organization, turning to the southwest on January 11 around a ridge. On the next day, the JTWC classified the system as Tropical Cyclone 07S, the same day that the MFR upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Alison. Conditions favored further strengthening, and Alison gradually intensified to peak 10‑minute sustained winds of 115 km/h (70 mph) on January 15, according to the MFR. On the same date, the JTWC assessed peak 1‑minute winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), equivalent to a minimal hurricane. By that time, the storm had turned more to the south-southeast, and began to weaken on January 16. Two days later, Alison weakened to tropical depression status and dissipated. Similar to Alison, Bella originated on January 18 from a surge in the monsoon trough to the southwest of Sumatra. For several days, the system remained weak as it moved generally west-southwestward. On January 25, it intensified to tropical storm status, but Bella took three more days to intensify to tropical cyclone status, or with 10‑minute maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). The cyclone attained peak intensity on January 29, officially reaching winds of 155 km/h (100 mph). The JTWC unofficially estimated winds of 240 km/h (150 mph), the highest the agency estimated for any storm in the Southern Hemisphere in the year. Bella later turned to the southeast and weakened, passing about 50 km (30 mi) west of Rodrigues on January 31. The storm turned to the south-southwest and back to the southeast again, becoming extratropical on February 4.