Centre of severe Cyclone Remal crosses the coast, expected to move north

It is expected to weaken from a severe cyclonic storm to a cyclonic storm by 10:30am

The severe cyclonic storm Remal has moved inland and its centre has crossed the coast, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Meteorologist Bazlur Rashid said on Monday that the storm started moving inland from around midnight.

"It hasn't crossed over completely, but the centre has made landfall," he said. "Its tail is still on the coast, but it will cross in another 2-3 hours.

As of 7:30am, the storm was lying over Khulna’s Koyra, the BMD said in a special bulletin signed by meteorologist Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik.

It is expected to move further north and weaken into a cyclonic storm within 2-3 hours, the bulletin said.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone’s centre is about 90 kph, rising to 120 kph in gusts and squalls. The highest wind speed recorded was 111 kph around 1:30am in Patuakhali.

The maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to maintain Great Danger Signal No. 10. The signal will also apply to the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars.

The maritime ports of Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to maintain Great Danger Signal No. 9. It will also apply to the coastal districts of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, and their offshore islands and chars.

The river ports in the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur have been advised to lower Riverine Danger Signal No. 3 and instead raise Riverine Great Danger Signal No. 4.

The low-lying areas of these coastal districts are likely to be inundated by wind-driven tidal surges of 8-12 feet in height, the BMD said.

Heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy (89mm or higher) rainfall with gusts and squally winds is expected in the Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions due to the influence of the cyclone. The heavy rain may also trigger landslides in the hilly areas of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Chattogram.

Fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay of Bengal and deep sea have been advised to remain sheltered until further notice.

The 24-hour forecast from 6pm on Sunday says that a mild heat wave is sweeping over Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions and the districts of Tangail, Kishoreganj, and Bogura, and may abate.

Day temperatures may fall by 2-5 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures fall slightly.