The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 as a low pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The warning bulletin issued today said that the low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay and adjoining North Odisha-West Bengal coast. This is the latest of a series of low-pressure systems that have repeatedly triggered port warnings along Bangladesh’s coast this monsoon season.
What Signal 3 means for coasts
The maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh may experience squally weather due to the system. BMD issues a series of graduated warnings to alert the ports and small craft of the rough weather conditions ahead, to enable operators to secure their equipment and postpone non-essential sailings until conditions improve. Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 is one such warning.
Fishing vessels ordered to stay close to coast
In accordance with standard practice, fishing boats and trawlers in the waters under the warning are normally advised to stay close to shore and not to head out into the open sea until the system has weakened or moved on. This is often highlighted in local announcements in coastal district administrations, especially in high-traffic fishing areas such as Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram.
This Monsoon, A Repeating Cycle
This is not a one-off thing. The Bay of Bengal has seen several low-pressure formations during the current monsoon season, and similar Signal 3 advisories have been issued several times in recent weeks as systems formed, intensified and dissipated in quick succession. Meteorologists say this pattern is a result of the active monsoon trough over the Bay, which is spawning low-pressure areas at a higher-than-normal frequency.
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Things to watch out for for residents and businesses
Signal 3 does not mean that a cyclone is imminent, but it usually means scattered rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds for Chattogram, Sylhet and other southeastern districts. People living in low-lying and coastal areas are reminded to closely watch the updates from the BMD as such systems can evolve into deeper depressions depending on the conditions of the sea surface and changes in atmospheric pressure. “Businesses that depend on the port, especially shipping and fishing businesses, should anticipate potential delays until the advisory is lifted.
Further bulletins are expected to be issued by BMD as the system develops. Coastal residents are advised to remain alert to official updates and not to rely on unconfirmed reports.
Summary
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 following the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal. Squally weather is expected to affect the ports and adjoining coastal areas in the coming days.
