Low pressure over Bay of Bengal: Cautionary signal no. 3 hoisted at 4 maritime ports

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued warning signals for the country's four maritime ports and several river ports due to the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

According to a special weather bulletin issued by the weather office, squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh under the influence of the low pressure on Thursday. Consequently, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3.

Additionally, fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.

Meteorologist Md. Bazlur Rashid stated on Thursday afternoon, "The low-pressure system might at most turn into a depression, though even that probability is low. It could perhaps become a monsoon depression. However, there is no threat of it intensifying into a cyclone."

Indicating that rainfall might increase under the influence of the system, he added, "The tendency for rain will be higher particularly in the southern region of the country. This system will primarily result in increased rainfall. Rain triggered by this low pressure may start from Saturday."

Signal no. 1 for several river ports
In addition to the maritime ports, the Meteorological Department has also issued warning signals for inland river ports across several districts.
According to the special warning bulletin for river ports, temporary gusty or squally winds blowing from the south or south-east at a speed of 45 to 60 km/h, accompanied by rain or thundershowers, may pass over the regions of Dhaka, Faridpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barisal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Sylhet between 3:30pm on Thursday and 1am at night. Therefore, the river ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number 1.