Signal 3 for maritime ports, Signal 1 for river ports as depression looms

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to continue hoisting local cautionary signal 3, while river ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signal 1, according to two special weather bulletins issued today.

The deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal has moved slightly north-northwestward. As of 6:ooam, it was located about 705 km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 685 km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 525 km west-southwest of Mongla port, and 550 km west-southwest of Payra port, according to the bulletin.

The depression is expected to move in a northwesterly direction and may cross the Odisha coast near Puri.

The bulletin also noted that the maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the depression center is around 50 kph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kph. The sea is expected to remain rough near the system’s center.

All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

A second bulletin stated that the monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and strong over the North Bay. Rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds of 45-60 kph, are likely over Khulna, Jashore, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Cox's Bazar. River ports in these regions have been instructed to hoist cautionary signal 1.