Bangladesh sea ports on alert as low pressure turns into depression

Moderate to heavy rain likely in parts of the country, temperature may drop slightly

A well-marked low over the northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression near the coast of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh, prompting authorities to issue Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 for four seaports.

The special bulletin from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday night said the system had moved west-northwest and developed into a depression.

As of the evening, it was centred over the northwest Bay and adjoining west-central Bay, just off the coastlines of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.

Winds within 44km of the centre were blowing at a sustained speed of 40kph, rising to 50kph in gusts or squalls. The sea remains rough near the depression centre.

Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra ports have been put on alert, with fishing boats in the northern Bay told to stay close to shore and proceed cautiously.

The system first formed as a low-pressure area over the Bay on Thursday. It intensified into a well-marked low by Friday morning and turned into a depression by evening.

Earlier forecasts from the Met Office had already suggested the possibility of this development.

According to Friday night’s regular weather bulletin, light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind may occur at some places in Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

One or two places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions may also experience similar conditions.

Moderately heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places across the country.

During this period, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to fall slightly.