A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to intensify into a deep depression before potentially evolving into a full-fledged cyclone, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Meteorologist Md Omar Farooq stated on Friday that the developing system could strike the neighboring Indian coasts of Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu by next Monday, and if it officially forms, it is likely to be named Arnab. While the projected trajectory targets the foreign coastlines, its outer peripheral effects are expected to reach Bangladesh's southern coastal regions, bringing intermittent rain and gusty winds, alongside potential rainfall in the capital Dhaka around Tuesday.
The impending maritime system comes after more than a week of largely dry weather prevailing across most parts of the country. Meteorological data recorded over the preceding 24 hours indicated that none of the 51 observation stations across Bangladesh registered any rainfall. Experts attributed this recent dry spell to consecutive low-pressure formations over the Bay of Bengal coupled with a strong westerly wind flow driving air masses toward the open sea, which collectively suppressed precipitation patterns nationwide.
Despite the localized dry conditions, the shifting weather patterns are widening the diurnal temperature range between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness across the country. As daytime temperatures remain relatively high, nighttime and early morning hours are witnessing a noticeable drop in mercury, signaling the onset of a mild winter ambiance, particularly in the northern regions.
On Thursday, the country's lowest temperature of 18 degrees Celsius was recorded in Tentulia of Panchagarh district, which experienced a contrasting daytime high of 32 degrees Celsius on the same day. Conversely, the nation's highest temperature reached 36.2 degrees Celsius in Sandwip of Chattogram, where the corresponding nighttime temperature dipped to 22.5 degrees Celsius, reflecting the gradual seasonal transition currently underway.
