The low-pressure area formed over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas, and weather conditions over Bangladesh are being watched closely. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a warning of the system for squally weather in the northern Bay, maritime ports and adjoining coastal areas.
On Monday, August 24, the BMD kept its cautionary measures in place as the system moved northwest. A low-pressure area has been reported over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining northern Odisha and northwest Bay of Bengal.
The weather system is likely to affect conditions, especially along the coast of Bangladesh, where intermittent rain and gusty winds may be experienced.
Signal No. 3 at 4 Maritime Ports
The BMD has hoisted Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 to a total of four (4) major maritime ports. These are Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra
The warning is a sign of the possibility of squally weather and not a sign of a major cyclone heading in. The authorities are particularly concerned about wind conditions over the sea and coastal waters.
The BMD has also advised the fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal to stay close to the coast and sail cautiously until further notice.
This is a precaution because sudden gusty winds and rough seas can be hazardous to smaller fishing vessels.
Bangladesh coast: Rain likely
There is some expectation of an increase in rainfall, particularly along the coast, as the low-pressure system passes by. Md Omar Faruk, a meteorologist, said coastal areas might witness rain, but chances of rainfall in other parts of Bangladesh were relatively low.
Previous predictions had also suggested that some parts of the coast and nearby areas could experience occasional rain or thundershowers, possibly with gusty winds or squalls. The affected districts are Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.
This means that for residents in these areas, the weather could remain unsettled with spells of rain and then a lull.
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Is it going to rain hard or cause a depression?
Still, meteorologists do not expect the low-pressure area to develop into a major weather system, despite the weather alert.
Latest predictions suggest there’s a fairly low probability that the system will strengthen into a depression. Meteorologists have also said that heavy rainfall, prolonged or widespread, is unlikely. Rainfall may, however, increase temporarily, particularly in the coastal areas.
This means the current situation is largely a weather warning as a precaution, not an immediate cyclone threat.
Rainfall may still bring some temporary relief from hot and humid conditions in some areas of Bangladesh, while those receiving stronger showers may be short-term waterlogged.
Fishermen, Coastal Communities Warned to Stay Vigilant
The most urgent matter is maritime safety. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay have been asked to stay close to the coast and to operate carefully.
Squally winds develop around low-pressure systems very quickly and increase the danger of navigation in open water. Coastal communities are thus advised to monitor official weather updates, especially if wind conditions worsen.
People living in low-lying coastal areas should also look out for sudden downpours, strong winds and local flooding.
What is next for Bangladesh
The latest forecast indicates that the low-pressure system will have limited overall impact on Bangladesh, but scattered rainfall may continue during the week. Coastal districts are more likely to be affected by showers and gusty winds than inland districts.
Authorities are expected to track the system and update marine warnings as it moves and its intensity changes.
Summary: A low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas has prompted Bangladesh authorities to maintain Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 at four maritime ports. Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra are under the warning as gusty or squally winds may affect the northern Bay and coastal areas.
