Depression may not intensify into cyclone, but rain will quicken arrival of winter, Met Office says

The November rain, under the influence of the deep depression, will help herald in the winter season, a meteorologist says

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain in parts of the country as a depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression.

The BMD advised the maritime ports to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3, predicting squally weather under the influence of the depression in a special bulletin.

“It is in a state of deep depression now. The department will assess if it intensifies into a cyclone upon the analysis of data recorded till evening. If a cyclone hits the ports, it will be light,” meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa said, based on data till 11 am on Thursday.

Forecasting light to moderate rain in various parts of the country, the meteorologist said, “The authorities recorded 6 mm of rainfall in Aricha and 5 mm in Cox’s Bazar since this morning.”

The rain under the influence of the deep depression will play a supporting role in the arrival of winter across the country, according to the meteorologist.

“Depressions like this are usual in Bangladesh ahead of the winter due to the geographic location. The sun slowly moves to the South at this time of the year, which leads to the formation of the depression.”

The meteorologist also forecast November rain across the country a few days after the depression cleared up.

The depression now lies over the same area and was centred about 785 km southwest of Chattogram port, 745 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 655 km southwest of Mongla port, and 655 km southwest of Payra port at 6 am on Thursday, according to the special bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in squalls, the bulletin said.

The depression is likely to intensify further and move northeastwards. Under its influence deep depression is taking place over North Bay. Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas, according to the Met Office.

The sea will remain rough near the depression centre. The Met Office advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist cautionary signal No. 3.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.