Deep depression forms over Bay, signal 3 raised at four seaports

Rain is likely across much of Bangladesh, with heavy falls forecast in parts of Chattogram and Sylhet

A low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, prompting Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 at Bangladesh's four seaports.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Saturday asked Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra ports to keep Signal No. 3 hoisted, saying gusty winds could sweep across the seaports, the northern Bay and adjoining coastal areas.

In a warning bulletin, the Met Office said the system over the northwestern Bay and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coast had strengthened into a deep depression while remaining over the same area.

Under its influence, gusty winds may blow over the seaports, the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coast, it added.

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir told bdnews24.com the system was expected to cross the West Bengal-Odisha coast.

He said Bangladesh would feel its effects because of the pressure gradient, but the system was unlikely to intensify further.

There is no threat of a severe storm in the country, he said, adding that the main impact would be rainfall as it lies to the right of the system's track.

The low-pressure area formed over the sea on Thursday before strengthening into a deep depression on Saturday.

The forecast for the 24 hours from 9am on Saturday says many places in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, some places in the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Barishal divisions, and one or two places in the Dhaka and Khulna divisions may experience temporary gusty winds with light to moderate rain or thundershowers.

Moderately heavy to heavy rainfall is also likely at places in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

A mild heatwave is sweeping across Rajshahi, Pabna, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Kurigram, Feni and Chuadanga districts, though it may ease in some areas.

Day temperatures may fall slightly across the country, while night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.