Bangladesh issues signal No. 3 for ports as fresh low brews in Bay

Heavy rains and strong winds are forecast in the coming days

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of a fresh low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal, advising seaports to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

The existing low over Gangetic West Bengal has already weakened and merged with the monsoon trough, but meteorologists said another low-pressure area could develop by Monday night or Tuesday.

“Rain may not start immediately, but from Aug 27 rainfall is likely to increase and continue through the rest of the month,” Meteorologist Omar Faruq said on Sunday.

The BMD said monsoon conditions remain strong over the northern Bay, raising the risk of squally or stormy winds over the coast and offshore areas. Fishing boats and trawlers have been advised to stay close to the coast until further notice.

The forecast suggests light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds in many parts of the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Heavy rainfall is likely in some places in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet.

Day and night temperatures across the country are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

In the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall was recorded in Noakhali at 130mm, followed by 84mm in Sitakunda and 73mm in Chattogram. Sreemangal in Sylhet registered the highest temperature at 34.6 degrees Celsius, while Bandarban recorded the lowest at 23.7 degrees Celsius.