Depression deepens over Bay, cyclone forecast

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has said the low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka coast has intensified into a deep depression.

Meteorologists forecast that it may turn into a cyclone by the evening.

All four maritime ports in the country have been advised to raise distant cautionary signal No.1. The BMD has also advised fishing boats and trawlers not to venture into the deep sea.

Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq told bdnews24.com on Thursday afternoon, "The well-marked low over the southwest Bay and adjoining Sri Lanka coast turned into a depression in the morning, and intensified into a deep depression over the same area around 9am. We fear that it will turn into a cyclone by the evening."

In a special weather bulletin, the Met Office said at 9am, the depression was located 2,035km southwest of Chattogram seaport, 1,975km southwest of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 1,945km southwest of Mongla seaport, and 1,930km southwest of Payra seaport.

The BMD says it is likely to move further north-northwestward and intensify. Within 48km of the deep depression's centre, the maximum sustained wind speed is 50kph, which is increasing up to 60kph in gusting or squally form. The sea is rough near the centre.

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been asked to hoist distant cautionary signal No.1.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay are instructed to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Meteorologist Faruq said, "If the deep depression turns into a cyclone, the seaports will be asked to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 2."