A low-pressure area has formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining northwest Bay, close to the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Due to its influence, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised all maritime ports in the country to hoist local warning signal No. 3.
In a special weather bulletin issued on Wednesday (13 August), the BMD warned that the low-pressure system may intensify further. It added that a steep pressure gradient over the north Bay of Bengal could generate squally winds over the Bay, coastal areas of Bangladesh, and nearby ports.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to display signal No. 3. Fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
Meanwhile, under the influence of active southwest monsoon, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in four divisions over the next 24 hours. From 9 am Wednesday, parts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions may experience heavy (44–88 mm in 24 hours) to very heavy (88 mm or more in 24 hours) rain, according to the Met Office.
Contributor: Tareque Hasan
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
