Rain with squally winds up to 60kmph likely in five regions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast gusty winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour along with rain and thundershowers in five regions of the country, advising river ports in the affected areas to hoist cautionary signal No. 1.

The warning, issued for the country’s inland river ports, will remain in effect from 5am to 1pm on Thursday (August 13).

According to the forecast, temporary gusty winds from the south or southeast, travelling at 45–60 kmph, may sweep across Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla and Chattogram. Rain or thundershowers are also likely in these areas.

The BMD advised river ports in the five regions to display Cautionary Signal No. 1 in view of the potentially turbulent weather.

The weather office said a low-pressure area has formed over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh under the influence of the monsoon. Meteorologist Shahinul Islam said the system could strengthen further.

The monsoon trough currently extends from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal in India through the centre of the low-pressure area and southern Bangladesh to Assam. The monsoon is currently fairly active over Bangladesh and strong over the northern Bay of Bengal, according to the BMD.

In a three-day forecast valid through Saturday evening, the BMD said rain and thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds may occur in many areas of Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions and in some parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.

Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may also occur at isolated locations during the period, the weather agency said.