Bangladesh braces for cyclone risk, possible floods in October

The Met Office warns that one low-pressure system could intensify into a cyclone, with thundershowers and floods also likely in some regions

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The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has flagged the possibility of up to three low-pressure systems forming in the Bay of Bengal in October, one of which may intensify into a depression or a cyclone.

The Met Office made the forecast in its long-term weather outlook issued on Saturday,

Last month saw the development of three low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal, one of which developed into a depression.

The BMD said normal rainfall is expected across the country in October. However, it warned that there may be two to four days of moderate to heavy thundershowers, and three to five days of light to moderate thundershowers.

It also suggested that the south-west monsoon may gradually withdraw from Bangladesh during the first half of October.

Afterwards, day and night temperatures are expected to fall gradually. However, both daytime and nighttime temperatures may remain slightly higher than the seasonal average.

FLOOD WARNING

The forecast said the country’s major rivers are likely to maintain normal flow in October. However, heavy rainfall could cause short-term flooding in parts of the northern, north-eastern, and south-eastern hill basins.

The Met Office noted that in September, rainfall across the country was 20.8 percent below normal.

The Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna and Barishal divisions all recorded less rainfall than usual, while Sylhet Division received more.

On Sept 18, Panchagarh’s Tetulia recorded the month’s highest single-day rainfall at 202mm.

The highest temperature in the country during September was 38 degrees Celsius, recorded in Sylhet on Sept 1. The lowest was 22.5 degrees Celsius, also in Sylhet, on Sept 28.