[2] It is estimated the system formed into Tropical Depression Two-E at 1800 UTC on May 29 about 115 miles (185 km) southeast of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

[1] Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression was stationary in an area with warm sea surface temperatures, very light wind shear, and favorable upper-level conditions.

A ragged rainband developed in the southeastern quadrant of the circulation, and based on increased Dvorak numbers and improved presentation on satellite imagery, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Barbara on May 30 while it was located about 115 miles (185 km) south of Puerto Escondido.

With well-defined outflow and warm sea surface temperatures, Barbara became better organized as tightly curved bands of convection developed near the center.

[6] By later that day, the system contained a very small circulation within a large-scale trough,[7] and early on June 1 it was downgraded to tropical depression status.

[8] Later in the day, convective banding features re-developed, and after a QuikSCAT overpass indicated a well-defined circulation in the system, Barbara was again upgraded to tropical storm status.

[9] The storm reached peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and turned to the northeast as it tracked through a break in a ridge extending from the southwest Gulf of Mexico.

The center quickly deteriorated to tropical depression status over the mountainous terrain of extreme southeastern Chiapas, and Barbara dissipated within twelve hours of moving ashore.

[1] Early in the duration of the cyclone, the National Hurricane Center recommended for interests along the coast of southwestern Mexico to monitor the progress of the storm.