BMD keeps Cautionary Signal No. 3 up at four seaports

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has kept Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 in force at all four of the country's seaports, as a weakening low-pressure system continues to stir gusty winds and rough conditions along the coast.

The BMD, in a special bulletin issued Saturday (August 15), said the land depression that had formed over Jharkhand and adjoining areas had eased into a well-marked low-pressure area. The department added that the system is expected to drift further west-northwestward and weaken gradually over the coming hours.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department, however, warned that despite the weakening trend, the system's lingering influence could still whip up gusty winds over the North Bay of Bengal, seaports and coastal districts, with pockets of adverse weather likely.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has instructed Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports to keep Local Warning Signal No. 3 hoisted until conditions ease further.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department also urged fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay to stay close to shore until further notice, citing the continued risk of deteriorating sea conditions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department cautioned that while the low is forecast to weaken further, the threat of gusty winds over the coast and open sea has not fully subsided, and advised mariners and coastal residents to keep a close watch on weather updates and take precautionary measures.