Depression forms over Bay of Bengal, BMD issues cautionary signal
The system is moving north‑northwestwards and is likely to intensify further into a deep depression
A well‑marked low over the west‑central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, prompting cautionary signals for Bangladesh's maritime ports.
The depression was centred at 3:00pm today (1 October) near latitude 16.0°N and longitude 86.4°E, about 915 km southwest of Chattogram Port, 865 km southwest of Cox's Bazar Port, 800 km southwest of Mongla Port and 795 km southwest of Payra Port, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The system is moving north‑northwestwards and is likely to intensify further into a deep depression.
Under its influence, a steep pressure gradient persists over the North Bay, with gusty and squally weather expected to affect maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kph, rising to 50 kph in gusts and squalls. The sea will remain moderate near the depression centre.
The BMD has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep hoisted Local Cautionary Signal No. Three (R).
All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been instructed to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice, so they can take shelter at short notice if required.
The BMD has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as necessary.
