The GPM core observatory satellite had an excellent daytime view of tropical cyclone 06P (ULA) on December 30, 2015 at 2358 UTC. The tropical cyclone had moved to the east-southeast of Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds increasing to about 50 kts (58 mph). The rainfall pattern derived from GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments showed that 06P was much better organized. Powerful thunderstorms at the center of the tropical cyclone were found by DPR to be dropping rain at a rate of over 66 mm (2.6 inches) per hour. GPM's GMI data also indicated that rain was falling at rate of over 50 mm (2 inches) per hour in a strong feeder band on the tropical cyclone's eastern side.

GPM's Radar (DPR Ku band) were used to show in 3-D the towering thunderstorms near 06P's center reaching heights of over 17 km (10.5 miles). These strong thunderstorms called "hot towers" often lead to rapid intensification in a tropical cyclone.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) predicts that tropical cyclone 06P (ULA) will intensify and will move to the southwest of the Fiji Islands in a couple days. Wind speeds in the tropical cyclone are expected to reach 80 kts (92 mph).