A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the Bangladesh Meteorological Department to issue warning signals for four seaports and several river ports across the country.
In a special weather bulletin issued on Thursday, the Met Office said squally weather may affect the seaports, the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh due to the influence of the low-pressure system.
Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been advised to display Local Warning Signal No. 3.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.
Meteorologist Md Bazlur Rashid said, “The low-pressure area may, at most, intensify into a depression, though even that possibility is low. It may turn into a monsoon depression. However, there is no possibility of it developing into a cyclone.”
He said the system is likely to bring rainfall, particularly to southern parts of the country.
“This system will mainly increase rainfall. Rain influenced by the low pressure may begin from Saturday.”
Warning Signal No. 1 for River Ports
Alongside the seaport warnings, the Met Office has also issued a special advisory for several river ports.
According to the bulletin, from 3:30pm until 1am on Thursday, the regions of Dhaka, Faridpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet may experience temporary squally winds from the south or southeast at speeds of 45-60 km/h, accompanied by rain or thundershowers.
River ports in these areas have been advised to display Warning Signal No. 1.