Forming in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Tam, the disturbance rapidly organized within an environment of favorable diffulence aloft, warm waters (29°C; 84.2°F), and moderate wind shear.

[2] Six hours later, RSMC Nadi upgraded 06F to a tropical cyclone and gave it the name Urmil while it was situated near Niuatoputapu, Tonga.

[1] Shortly after, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert as the storm quickly traveled towards the south-southeast.

[2] After the brief period of intensification, the storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) according to both the RSMC Nadi and the JTWC, making it a high-end Category 2 cyclone on the Australian Scale.

[6] Early on January 14, 06F passed close to Tafahi and Niuatoputapu, produced heavy rains and near gale-force winds over the islands.