Depression in Bay of Bengal Triggers Weather Alerts Across Coastal Bangladesh
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A well-defined low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, prompting the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to issue cautionary signals for maritime and river ports. The system, currently positioned off the coasts of Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal, is expected to bring increased rainfall to coastal regions starting Friday, with precipitation likely to expand across the country, including the capital, by Sunday.
Meteorologists have stated that while the system will trigger scattered rain throughout the coming week, it is unlikely to reach the intensity that caused widespread flooding early last month. Despite the low risk of severe flooding, authorities warn that water levels in rivers within the Chattogram division may rise over the next two days. Furthermore, river levels in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins are expected to begin rising on Sunday.
The BMD has issued a Local Cautionary Signal Number 3 for the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra due to the threat of gusty winds and heavy rain. Simultaneously, Local Cautionary Signal Number 1 has been hoisted for river ports in the Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar districts. These signals remain in effect for 24 hours starting from Thursday afternoon.
Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik confirmed that the impact of the land-based depression will be gradual. While coastal areas of Khulna, Chattogram, and Barishal will see increased rainfall and thunderstorms starting Friday, the capital, Dhaka, is expected to experience heavier precipitation beginning Sunday.
Dhaka saw overcast conditions and light rain on Thursday morning, totaling five millimeters of rainfall before the skies cleared by midday. Minor rainfall is anticipated in the capital on Friday and Saturday, with intensity expected to pick up as the week progresses.
In the 24 hours leading up to Thursday, Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest rainfall in the country, totaling 151 millimeters. Weather officials continue to monitor the depression as it moves across the region.
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