 The initial disturbance formed within two degrees of the equator within the monsoon trough on January 25 . Over succeeding days , the thunderstorm area increased in size . However , it decreased significantly on January 30 . As the convective area moved slowly westward , it increased in coverage once more , organizing into a tropical depression on February 1 . Moving on a parabolic course east of the Philippines , Judy gained tropical storm status on February 2 , and typhoon strength on February 4 after recurving to the northwest of the subtropical ridge . As westerly winds increased aloft , vertical wind shear weakened Judy back into a tropical storm , which lost tropical characteristics on February 6 . After drifting slightly more east @-@ northeastward , the low pressure area dissipated . 
