Sea ports hoist Signal No. 3 as depression forms over North Bay

The well-marked low over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has intensified into a monsoon depression. As a result, gusty or squally winds may affect the North Bay, sea ports and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Currently, the highest wind speed under the influence of the depression is reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour in gusts.

The Meteorological Department provided this information in a special bulletin (Serial-1) on Sunday (July 26).

Meteorologist Afroza Sultana said the well-marked low over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjacent Odisha-West Bengal coastal areas had intensified into a monsoon depression over the same area.

At 12pm on Sunday, the depression was located 425 kilometres west-southwest of Chattogram port, 415 kilometres west of Cox's Bazar port, 245 kilometres west-southwest of Mongla port and 265 kilometres west-southwest of Payra port.

The Meteorological Department said the depression may move further northwest and intensify further. Under its influence, gusty or squally winds may blow over the North Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh, and the sea may remain rough.

Currently, within 44 kilometres of the depression centre, the maximum sustained wind speed is 40 kilometres per hour, increasing up to 50 kilometres per hour in gusts.

In this situation, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra sea ports have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.

Additionally, all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to return to shelter immediately and remain there until further notice.