Persistent rainfall continued across Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday as the monsoon remained active over the coastal district. At the same time, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast rain and thunderstorms in 16 regions across the country.
The weather agency also warned that gusty or squally winds, with speeds ranging from 45 to 60 kilometres per hour, could sweep over several areas, prompting authorities to advise inland river ports to display Local Cautionary Signal No. 1.
Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, said regular rainfall had been occurring in the district since the onset of the monsoon.
“As part of the ongoing monsoon pattern, intermittent heavy showers continued across Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday,” he said.
According to a weather bulletin issued by the Storm Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds from the south or south-east, with speeds of 45 to 60 kilometres per hour, may affect Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura, Pabna, Tangail, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet between 5:00am and 1:00pm.
In view of the forecast, inland river ports in the affected regions have been advised to keep Local Cautionary Signal No. 1 hoisted.
Officials have urged vessels operating along coastal and inland waterways to navigate with caution due to the possibility of strong winds and continued rainfall.
Residents of coastal districts, including Cox’s Bazar, have also been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of adverse weather.
The ongoing monsoon rains have brought relief from summer heat in many areas, although concerns remain over waterlogging, rough seas and disruptions to transport and fishing activities along the coast.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
