In the hours after becoming a tropical cyclone, the deep convection associated with the depression decreased, though it again increased later in the day. 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.
Following its classification as a tropical cyclone, the intense convection associated with the low-pressure system decreased initially but increased later that day. A disorganized rainband formed in the southeastern part of the storm's circulation, and given the rising Dvorak numbers and enhanced visual representation on satellite images, the National Hurricane Center elevated the depression to Tropical Storm Barbara on May 30 while it was situated approximately 115 miles (185 km) south of Puerto Escondido.