The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has asked Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.
The instruction came in a notice signed by meteorologist Md Shahinul Islam on behalf of the director on Tuesday (28 April) morning.
The notice said a steep pressure gradient prevails over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. It directed the four seaports to display Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and move cautiously until further notice.
Earlier, the Met Office warned of Nor’wester storms in 13 districts, including the capital Dhaka, on Tuesday. According to the forecast, rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally winds may occur between 5:00am and 1:00pm.
The department issued forecasts of two levels of intensity. Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet regions face higher risk, with winds likely to blow from the west or north-west at speeds of 60 to 80 kilometres per hour.
River ports in these regions have been asked to hoist Signal No. 2.
Ten other regions have also been put on alert. These include Dhaka, Tangail, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, where winds may blow at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometres per hour. River ports in these areas have been advised to display Signal No. 1.
The special forecast for inland river ports urged authorities and river transport users to remain alert. Meteorologists said Nor’wester storms in the month of Boishakh can intensify within a short time.
Residents in the concerned areas have been advised to take necessary precautions before noon.
