Cautionary signal No. 3 issued at four seaports, gusty winds expected along the coast

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised the country's four maritime ports to continue displaying local cautionary signal No. 3 due to a steep pressure gradient over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.

The department has also warned that gusty winds may sweep across the country's coastal regions.

The information was confirmed in the latest weather bulletin issued on Wednesday by the Storm Warning Centre of the BMD.

According to Meteorologist Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, who signed the bulletin, the depression that was located over eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas has weakened into a well-marked low and moved northwestward and is now situated over northwestern Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions. It is expected to continue moving west-northwestward and gradually weaken.

He also said that under the influence of this low-pressure system, a strong pressure gradient persists over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. As a result, squally or gusty winds may blow over the seaports, the northern Bay of Bengal, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Under the circumstances, the seaports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to continue displaying local cautionary signal No. 3.

The Met Office has also advised all fishing boats and trawlers currently operating in the northern Bay of Bengal to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.