Cyclone ‘Remal’ likely to strike Bangladesh coasts on May 26

Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall in Bangladesh between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm on May 26, impacting coastal regions from Barguna in the Barishal Division to Cox's Bazar in the Chattogram Division, according to a meteorologist on Tuesday (May 21).

Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, stated that the front of the cyclone may start entering coastal areas after 6:00 am.

He said, "The centre of the cyclone is likely to cross the coast between 12:00pm and 6:00pm on May 26. The trailing half of the cyclone may take until midnight to fully make landfall."

He further said, "If the cyclone hits the coast during high tide, there is a significant risk of coastal inundation in the Barishal and Chattogram divisions, with tides rising 5 to 10 feet above normal levels."

"However, if the cyclone makes landfall during low tide, these coastal areas may still face inundation, with tides reaching 3 to 6 feet above normal levels," he added.

The meteorologist forecasted that as the cyclone reaches the coastal regions of Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, it could bring winds reaching up to 120 km/h, potentially escalating to 140 km/h with gusts.

Meteorologists predict significant rainfall throughout Bangladesh from May 24th to 28th, attributed to the impending cyclone Remal.