Monsoon winds gone, another low pressure looms in Bay

Though a low-pressure in the Bay is forecasted, it may cause minimal rain and a usual rise in temperature for the next few days, offering favourable weather to prepare farmland for winter vegetables and potatoes.

This will help farmers recoup some of the flood losses, weather experts have said.

Following the withdrawal of the monsoon from Bangladesh, a low-pressure expected over the Southwest Bay of Bengal today will not significantly impact the country or its coastal regions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a bulletin indicating that another low-pressure area may develop over the Southwest Bay of Bengal within 48 hours from 9am on Sunday.

BMD Assistant Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa said, "If a low pressure forms, there is a possibility of rain in some southern areas of Bangladesh from Sunday night. However, the amount of rainfall will be minimal. The low pressure could potentially move through India and into Bangladesh."

Temperatures are likely to rise for a few days as the monsoon winds retreat, and then will start falling gradually. "Additionally, there are no immediate concerns about storms or heavy rainfall this month," she said.

Meteorologists have noted that the rise in temperatures is not unusual, although it may cause some discomfort for residents. Rainfall is expected to decrease.

In an evening bulletin, the BMD reported that the southwest monsoon has withdrawn from all regions of Bangladesh except Chattogram. Conditions are favourable for further withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the rest of the country within the next 24 hours.

Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan, told TBS, "The impending low pressure will not affect Bangladesh. In fact, there is no significant rainfall expected anywhere in the country until 20 October."

As the rain decreases, temperatures will rise temporarily. Light rainfall may occur in Barishal and Chattogram divisions from 21 to 23 October. No storms are expected this month, he added.

Farmers advised to prepare fields for early winter vegetables

As the monsoon winds have left the country and heavy rainfall is not forecast, weather experts have advised potato farmers and those growing winter vegetables to prepare their fields and sow seeds.

The BMD has indicated that, with no heavy rains expected, farmers can start sowing seeds for early winter vegetable production. Recent severe flooding in the southeastern and northern regions has caused significant agricultural damage, resulting in increased prices for vegetables and raw materials in the market. Experts believe that early winter vegetables could help mitigate this crisis.

Mostofa Kamal Palash said, "Dry weather has already begun across the country since Sunday. Particularly in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Dhaka, potato farmers can begin preparing their land and planting seeds."

He added, "From now until 20 October, brief rainfall may occur in various districts. However, dry weather is expected to continue until that date. Any minor rainfall between 21 and 23 October will benefit the planted potatoes, but the chances of heavy rain remain very low."

Today, the highest rainfall recorded was 3mm in Barishal. Among the 51 observation stations of the BMD, only three reported rainfall, while three others recorded trace amounts. The highest temperature was recorded in Mongla at 35.2 degrees Celsius, with Dhaka recording 35 degrees Celsius.

The BMD's forecast for the next 24 hours, starting Sunday at 6pm, indicates that rain showers accompanied by temporary gusty winds may occur in one or two places over Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.

Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry, with temporary partly cloudy skies. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged across the country.