Low forms in Bay of Bengal, ports hoist cautionary signals

Heavy rain is forecast in parts of the Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has instructed the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to raise location cautionary signal No. 3 after a low-pressure system formed in the north Bay of Bengal near the Bangladesh coast. The system may lead to heavy rain across the country, the BMD says.

On Monday, a warning signed by Meteorologist Md Tariful Newaz Kabir said that a trough of low pressure had formed in the northern Bay of Bengal and the surrounding coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Due to this, gusty and squally winds may blow over the coastal areas and sea ports. As a result, the ports have been asked to advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3. In addition, the BMD has advised fishing boats and trawlers in the Bay of Bengal to move carefully near the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

The Met Office says that, due to the low-pressure area, heavy to very heavy rain may occur in some parts of the Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions in the 24 hours from 9am on Monday. This may cause temporary waterlogging in some areas.

Very heavy rain occurs when over 88mm over rain is recorded in a given area over a 24-hour period.

Due to the low-pressure area, Dhaka has seen intermittent rain since Monday morning.