Low-pressure system in Bay prompts Signal No. 3 at four seaports

Met Office says it is unlikely to strengthen into a depression, though rainfall may intensify

A low-pressure system has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, prompting the weather office to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 at Bangladesh's four seaports.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s (BMD) Afroza Sultana told bdnews24.com on Saturday that the system was not likely to intensify into a depression at this stage.

"It may develop into a well-marked low. It is unlikely to have a significant impact on Bangladesh, but rainfall may increase in the south and spread to the north after Jul 28."

The weather office said Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra ports could experience squally weather.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay were advised to stay close to the coast and operate with caution.

River ports in Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar were asked to hoist Warning Signal No. 1, with winds of 45-60kph and rain or thunderstorms forecast through Saturday evening.

The Met Office also forecast light to moderate rain, with isolated heavy falls, across much of the country over the next 24 hours.