Low-pressure may intensify; warning signals remain in force

“July is generally a rainy month. Rain will occur somewhere or another across the country,” says a meteorologist

The low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha–West Bengal coast of India remains in the same area and may intensify more, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Speaking to bdnews24.com on Thursday morning, meteorologist Afroza Sultana said: “The low-pressure area remains stationary. It may intensify a little further. However, we are not seeing any indication yet that it will develop into a depression. Under its influence, rainfall may occur over parts of Bangladesh.”

Referring to the rainfall recorded across the country, including the capital, on Wednesday, she said: “July is generally a rainy month. Rain will occur somewhere or another across the country. But the kind of widespread rainfall that continues across the country for two or three consecutive days is unlikely. Instead, rainfall will be scattered.”

In a special weather warning issued on Thursday, the BMD said squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the north Bay of Bengal, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh due to the influence of the low-pressure area.

As a result, Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 has been kept in force for the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra.

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.

Meanwhile, the BMD has issued warning signals for several inland river ports, citing the possibility of squally winds.

According to a special inland river port warning issued on Thursday, temporary squally winds accompanied by rain or thundershowers, blowing from the south or southeast at speeds of 45-60 kmph, may sweep over Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Sylhet between 5am and 1pm.

The river ports in these areas have been advised to hoist Cautionary Signal No. 1.

In its regular weather bulletin issued on Thursday morning, the BMD said the axis of the monsoon trough extends through Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, the centre of the low-pressure area, southern Bangladesh, and Assam.

The monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and remains strong over the north Bay of Bengal.

Under its influence, light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely at many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at a few places in Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions during the 24 hours from 9am on Thursday.

Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may also occur at places across the country during this period. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly nationwide.

During the 24 hours ending at 9am on Thursday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded at 35.8 degrees Celsius in Ishwardi, Pabna, while the lowest was 23.3 degrees Celsius in Sylhet.

The highest rainfall during the period was recorded in Sreemangal, Sylhet, at 46 mm. The BMD also recorded 35 mm of rainfall in Sylhet, 24 mm in Dimla of Nilphamari, and 7 mm in Dhaka.