Low-pressure system over Bay turns into land depression, signal No. 3 issued at ports

Depression over land prompts storm warning as gusty winds and heavy rain loom over the coastal regions

A low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a land depression as the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) advised four maritime ports to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

In a special bulletin on Monday, the Met Office said it was positioned over the southwestern coastal region,

Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik said the depression, previously a well-marked low over the sea, has moved inland and is now influencing weather conditions along the coast.

“As a result, the northern Bay of Bengal is experiencing increased air pressure, which could trigger squally and gusty winds over the coastal regions and maritime ports of Bangladesh,” he said.

In response to the adverse weather, the Met Office has advised maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

All fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

A weather warning issued by the department also forecast that parts of Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours from 9am Monday.

The heavy downpour may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas.

According to meteorological standards, rainfall between 1 and 10mm is classified as light, 11 to 22mm as moderate, 23 to 43mm as moderately heavy, 44 to 88mm as heavy, and anything above 88mm is considered very heavy.