Met office warns of cyclonic storm as Bay depression intensifies

As the depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a low-pressure system with the potential to develop into a cyclonic storm, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued warning signal No. 1 for four coastal regions.

The low-pressure system is currently positioned approximately 700 kilometres south-southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, according to satellite images.

As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, it was located 785 kilometres south-southwest of Chattogram seaport, 700 kilometres south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 820 kilometres south-southeast of Mongla seaport, and 760 kilometres south-southeast of Payra seaport.

It is moving west-northwest and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm.

Within 44 kilometres of the centre of the low-pressure system, the maximum sustained wind speed is 40 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour.

The sea near the centre of the low-pressure system is reported to be rough.

The Met Office has advised Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 1.

All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal and deep-sea areas have been instructed to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. They should be prepared to seek shelter at short notice if necessary.