Relief from the sweltering heat appears imminent as clouds gather over the sky, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasting rainfall over the next five days due to the formation of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.
In its 120-hour weather outlook issued on Sunday, the department advised that the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra should hoist Local Warning Signal No 3. It also warned of squally or gusty winds over the northern Bay of Bengal during this period.
The bulletin said a well-marked low-pressure area over the north-west Bay and adjoining coastal regions of North Odisha and West Bengal has intensified into a monsoon low.
At 12 noon on Saturday, it was located approximately 510 kilometres west-southwest of Chattogram port, 520 kilometres west of Cox’s Bazar port, 285 kilometres west-southwest of Mongla port, and 340 kilometres west-southwest of Payra port.
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and may cross the North Odisha coast within the next 24 hours, the department added.
Due to the influence of the low-pressure system, the monsoon is currently active over Bangladesh and remains strong over the northern Bay.
According to the forecast, light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely at most places in Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and at many places in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions.
Moderate to very heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.
The rainfall is expected to reduce the ongoing mild heatwave across parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Dhaka, Kishoreganj, Tangail, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Feni, Cox’s Bazar and Chuadanga.
Daytime temperatures across the country may fall by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, while night-time temperatures are expected to drop slightly.
Near the centre of the low-pressure system, sustained wind speeds may reach up to 40 kmph, rising to 50 kmph in gusts. The sea near the system’s centre is therefore likely to remain rough.
Authorities have advised all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal to take shelter immediately and remain in safe harbour until further notice.
